Our research team consists primarily of clinical-developmental psychology trainees (including Ph.D. and M.A. level students, and post-doctoral fellows) and research trainees (including research associates, coordinators, assistants, undergraduate thesis students, and volunteers). All lab members are supported by the York Research Chair in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disability Mental Health.
Broadly, my research explores how our internal patterns of physiological functioning shape our subjective experiences of ourselves in relation to the external world. As a clinical developmental psychologist, I am most interested in identifying these relationships in child and youth populations with autism, developmental disabilities, and other neurodivergent disorders. Currently, my post-doctoral research examines how a therapeutic photography intervention impacts the psycho-physiological well-being of autistic youth. Historically, my research has examined links between unseen bio-physiological patterns (e.g., heart rate variability, circadian misalignment), observable behaviours (e.g., parenting, academic performance), and self-reported social-emotional functioning (e.g., anxiety, depression).
I am interested in how youth with developmental disabilities experience wellbeing and manage mental health challenges. My master’s thesis investigated associations between child autism characteristics, parent co-regulation, and observed emotion dysregulation in autistic youth. For my dissertation research, I am exploring how youth with intellectual disability experience wellbeing (thriving), and the relationship between wellbeing constructs (social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing) and mental health problems.
My current research interest includes investigating treatment interventions to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities. My master’s thesis examined clinician factors related to the delivery of psychotherapy for autistic youth compared to youth with ADHD.
I am interested in understanding the factors that contribute to well-being for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. My Master’s thesis aims to understand the links between ecological resources (e.g., environmental supports and caregiver responsiveness), mental health problems, and thriving among youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also intend to explore how COVID-19-related stressors are associated with mental health problems among these youth, and if thriving buffers this association.
My current research interests include investigating the role of families and caregivers in fostering the mental health and well-being of autistic children. I am also interested in investigating how community-based programs for children with autism can bolster treatment success to ultimately improve mental health outcomes.
My current research interests include the well-being of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and their caregivers. I am interested in examining different intervention approaches that aims at improving mental health outcomes. I also have an interest in culturally responsive care and in supporting underserved communities.
My research interests include the application of a positive psychology lens to the development of accessible interventions for the well-being of young people with developmental disabilities. My Master’s thesis employed a mixed methods approach to investigate the feasibility of a novel therapeutic photography intervention for the well-being of autistic young people.
I am interested in the development of inclusive interventions to support the mental health of individuals with neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities. Specifically, I strive to understand the factors that contribute to well-being in this population and how interventions can be adapted to better meet individual needs.
My research interests include person-environment interactions within the social contexts of youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs), and how this subsequently affects mental health outcomes for this population. I am additionally interested in studying the development and implementation of interventions to improve mental wellbeing and quality of life for youth with NDDs.
- Yusra Saeed
Lab Coordinator
I am the lab coordinator for the DDMH Lab and hold a B.A. Hons. in Specialized Honours Psychology from York. Being involved in this lab allows me to engage in compelling research on neurodevelopmental disabilities and build upon my clinical experience. I am extremely passionate about emotion regulation, specifically focused on mental well-being and familial support, working towards becoming a student in clinical-developmental psychology.
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
I am a research assistant with the DDMH lab and a 3rd year Social Work student at York University. I previously completed my BSc in psychology at York as well. As an autistic person, I have a broad interest in understanding and facilitating thriving in the autistic community. Being a member of this lab has allowed me to learn more about how to conceptualize well-being and thriving for autistic people.
Research Assistant & Consultant
- Yasmeen Aldouri