Neurodivergence and Mental Health in Children and Young People

This PhD project at Queen Mary University of London investigates the processes leading to mental health challenges in neurodivergent children and young people, including those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. Neurodivergent youth experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, yet these issues are often under-recognized and unsupported in clinical settings. The project aims to identify risk factors and mechanisms underlying common mental health conditions in this population and to develop new strategies for early identification and support. Students will gain expertise in transdiagnostic dimensional approaches, such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology and Research Domain Criteria, and will analyze longitudinal datasets encompassing psychosocial, neurocognitive, and genetic risk factors. There may also be opportunities to collect new quantitative or qualitative data and to collaborate with the neurodivergent community and charity sector using participatory research methods. The research is hosted within the Centre for Brain and Behaviour (CBB) and the Cognition and NeuroDevelopment in Youth (CANDY) Lab, which offer a rich interdisciplinary environment and access to large samples, international networks, and diverse training opportunities. The project is supervised by Dr. Giorgia Michelini, a leading expert in neurodiversity and mental health. Funding is available through a partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel for eligible Chinese applicants. Applicants must be Chinese citizens, meet CSC and university eligibility criteria, and provide evidence of English language proficiency. The application deadline is January 28, 2026. Successful candidates will have strong academic backgrounds in relevant fields, prior research experience, and data analysis skills. The project offers opportunities for high-quality publications, conference presentations, and career development within a supportive research community.