Dr Claire Davidson-Jamieson is a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and her research focus is neurodivergence and/or maltreatment associated problems (Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)) and the interplay between the two. She has a particular interest in holistic approaches to neurodevelopmental assessment and in pragmatic language/social communication skills and differences, and the use of conversational/observational methods to assess children and young people’s social interaction and communication skills in cases of complexity.

Claire enjoys delivering training to help raise awareness and thinking around DSED, RAD, and the need to consider neurodivergence alongside 'trauma.' She has previously hosted workshops with Prof Helen Minnis for individuals of all backgrounds (CAMHS, paediatrics, social work, education and foster carers/adoptive families) and has presented her work at national/international conferences. 

Supporting research assistants/ trainees and others to develop is important to Claire and she especially aims to work with other allied health clinicians who wish to do more research. e.g. current PhD supervision of a fellow SLT investigating the nervous system and sensory dysregulation and any relative impact on language and social communication. 

Current Research: 

Claire is PI on the Efficient, Fast, Embedded, Clinical Tools, (EFECT) Study which which aims to support NHS clinicians approach neurodevelopmental assessment holistically via use of an online digitised tool called ESSENCE-D (Gillberg et al., 2024). EFECT was awarded funding through the Mental Health Mission, which is a UK government funded initiative and is being conducted in partnership with NHS healthboards in Scotland and Wales, and in collaboration with the Universities of Nottingham and Cambridgeshire who are investigating clinicians experiences of the online Development and Wellbeing Assessment (DAWBA). 

PhD research

Claire’s journal format PhD aimed to identify the similarities and differences between autism and one of the two childhood disorders associated with maltreatment, Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED). Findings suggested that overlaps in social relationships and sensory processing differences are to be expected but some social communication and particularly pragmatic language differences associated with autism may help differentiate. However, these may be best understood via unstructured dynamic observation/conversation in cases of complexity where additional ADHD etc may contribute (see publications for further info)

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PhD project (in progress): 

‘Examining the Relationship Between Autonomic and Sensory Dysregulation and Communication Difficulties in Care Experienced Young People’

DClinPsych project (in progress): Holistic Assessment for Children with Maltreatment Histories: Parent and Caregivers Perspectives: Sub Study to The RIGHT Trial