Jen Hamilton

Thesis Title: Neurodiversity in parents and infants in the perinatal period

Perinatal mental health problems are the most common complication of childbearing and are associated with substantial costs to society. However, little is known about how such experiences are shaped by individual differences across parents. Furthermore, though patterns of perinatal mental health are well-documented, their relationships to infant development are under-studied. The perinatal period presents a range of challenges to many new parents, but the experience of practitioners is that such challenges are heightened for neurodivergent parents. Neurodiversity reflects a range of individual differences in cognition and behaviour, which predict differences in outcomes and experiences. Neurodivergent individuals are at a vastly increased risk of mental health conditions, but little is known about the interaction of neurodiversity and progression through the perinatal period. sensory processing may be a key marker of early developmental differences in infancy, but also in parents experiencing difficulties in the perinatal period. This project will thus investigate the intersection of perinatal mental health with neurodiversity in parents and infants. Before finalising methods, we will recruit a patient Experts by Experience (EBE) steering group to consult on tolerability, adaptations, and importance to service users.

Biography:

Jen (she/they) is an ESRC-funded doctoral researcher. Jen holds a MA in Autism and children from the University of Birmingham. Additionally, Jen has worked as a teacher supporting students with SEND and as an ESOL tutor. Jen has also worked for various autism charities as an specialist autism advisor, peer support worker, trainer and content developer. Jen's own experiences within the neurodivergent community has given her a passion for inclusion which is reflected in her research interests.

Collaborative Partner:

NHS

Other research interests:

Person centred ethics

Participatory research methods

Neurodiversity studies

Psychology

University of Birmingham

2024 Cohort

Email:

Supervisory Team:

Andy Surtees

Andy Bremner

Jelena Jankovic