Lauren Jenner
Academic and research departments
Cognition, Genes and Developmental Variability Lab, Development, Education, Language and Outreach in Psychology (DevELOP) Research Group, School of Psychology.About
My research project
Social cognition and autism in genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disabilityMy research aims to advance understanding of autism characteristics in Prader-Willi and Down syndrome, by exploring how different profiles of social cognition may predict observable social behaviour. I also hope to promote the use of accessible research methods for those with moderate-severe intellectual disability, by using eye-tracking tasks with minimal language demand. This project forms part of a larger Network of research, funded by Cerebra, to improve clinical outcomes for those with genetic syndromes and intellectual disability. My studies are supervised by Dr Joanna Moss and Professor Emily Farran.
My research aims to advance understanding of autism characteristics in Prader-Willi and Down syndrome, by exploring how different profiles of social cognition may predict observable social behaviour. I also hope to promote the use of accessible research methods for those with moderate-severe intellectual disability, by using eye-tracking tasks with minimal language demand. This project forms part of a larger Network of research, funded by Cerebra, to improve clinical outcomes for those with genetic syndromes and intellectual disability. My studies are supervised by Dr Joanna Moss and Professor Emily Farran.
University roles and responsibilities
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
- Surrey Reproducibility Society (Acting President)
My qualifications
Publications
Purpose of Review Elevated prevalence of autism characteristics is reported in genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability. This review summarises recent evidence on the behavioural heterogeneity of autism in the following syndromes: Fragile X, Cornelia de Lange, Williams, Prader-Willi, Angelman, Down, Smith-Magenis, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Key considerations for assessment and support are discussed. Recent Findings The profile and developmental trajectory of autism-related behaviour in these syndromes indicate some degree of syndrome specificity which may interact with broader behavioural phenotypes (e.g. hypersociability), intellectual disability, and mental health (e.g. anxiety). Genetic subtype and co-occurring epilepsy within syndromes contribute to increased significance of autism characteristics. Autism-related strengths and challenges are likely to be overlooked or misunderstood using existing screening/diagnostic tools and criteria, which lack sensitivity and specificity within these populations. Summary Autism characteristics are highly heterogeneous across genetic syndromes and often distinguishable from non-syndromic autism. Autism diagnostic assessment practices in this population should be tailored to specific syndromes. Service provisions must begin to prioritise needs-led support.
Additional publications
Oliver, C., Ellis, K., Agar, G., Bissell, S., Chung, J. C. Y., Crawford, H., Pearson, E., Wade, K., Waite, J., Allen, D., Deeprose, L., Jenner, L., Kearny B., Smith, K., Trower, H., Adams, D., Groves, L., Heald, M., Moss, J., Richards, C., Royston, R., Tarver, J., Welham, A. & Woodcock, K. (2022). Distress and challenging behavior in people with profound or severe intellectual disability and complex needs: Assessment of causes and evaluation of intervention outcomes. In Contemporary Issues in Evaluating Treatment Outcomes in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (pp. 109-189).
Jenner, L. (2022). Why open research is important for understanding how eye-tracking technology can be used as a tool to evaluate social cognition in intellectual disability. Developmental Psychology Forum (Issue 95), 7-9. British Psychological Society.
Jenner, L. (2020). ‘Can we go home now?’ How experiences of the pandemic can help those without autism relate to those on the autism spectrum. The Psychologist. https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/can-we-go-home-now
Keemink, J. R., Jenner, L., Prunty, J. E., Wood, N., & Kelly, D. J. (2020). Eye Movements and Behavioural Responses to Gaze‐Contingent Expressive Faces in Typically Developing Infants and Infant Siblings. Autism Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2432