IMH Lunchtime Lecture with Dr Caroline Richards

Sleep, measurement complexity and neurodevelopmental conditions

Sleep is an inherently complex developmental process that underpins all waking behaviour. Sleep disorders are more common in children with neurodevelopmental conditions than in the general population, and yet current measurement limitations preclude detailed assessment of sleep in these groups. In this talk I will present work that we have conducted in Smith-Magenis and Angelman syndromes where sleep difficulties are endemic. Using these genetically determined neurodevelopmental syndromes as exemplars, we demonstrate the scientific and clinical utility of subjective, objective and novel remote technologies to describe the complexity of sleep and to isolate intervention targets to improve sleep.

About the speaker

The aim of Dr Richards’ research is to reduce negative clinical outcomes for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work with children with autism and children with rare genetic syndromes has thus far focused on reducing self-injury, improving sleep disorders and understanding the impact of premature birth. Her research uses experimental, epidemiological, single case and meta-analytic techniques to delineate risk markers, improve precision in models of mechanism and develop novel, proactive interventions.

Dr Richards collaborates with colleagues at the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

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