Emily Mason
Thesis title: Exploring the Relationship between Exteroception and Interoception in Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Populations
Sensory differences have been frequently reported within neurodivergent populations. With a growing appreciation for the adverse effects these can have on an individuals social and emotional well-being, it is critical to understand what is underlying these differences.
Previous research has heavily focused on the external sensory experiences such as touch, sight and smell. However, an area rapidly gaining attention is how internal sensory systems may be operating differently in autistic populations. Work by Chen et al. (2021) has suggested both the internal and external systems may be interacting in a critical way to regulate sensory experiences. From this, it can therefore be suggested the interaction between these two systems may be underlying the differences in sensory experiences in neurodivergent individuals.
Through using MIRAGE imaging technology, the proposed study will manipulate the relationship between the internal and external systems to better understand how the relationship between these two systems may be different. This technology negates previous limitations of sensory research in autism by producing real time images to create the feeling that the illusions are happening on the participants hand.
Biography
In 2023, I graduated from The University of Nottingham with a BSc in Psychology where I am now continuing my studies of a master’s in social science research. During my undergraduate degree, I found myself drawn to topics relating to autism and sensory experiences within these populations, which will be the focus of my PhD thesis. Alongside my studies, I have worked as a research assistant for a study investigating the double empathy hypothesis in autism, as well as volunteering at The University of Nottingham’s ‘Summer Scientist Week’.
Psychology
University of Nottingham
2023 Cohort, 1+3
Supervisory Team
Dr Danielle Ropar
Dr Roger Newport