Doctoral Research

The N.E.E.Ds Project

This research explores the UK emergency department (A&E) experience for autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults, focusing on the themes of accessibility and care. 

The aim is to use these insights to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations that make emergency care more accessible, equitable, and welcoming for neurodivergent people.

Research Interests & Approach

​​Ben has a professional and research interest in emergency department care, driven by his work in a major trauma centre. He values the problem-solving and adaptability required in trauma imaging and finds fulfilment in providing compassionate care in high-pressure situations. This clinical expertise, combined with his drive to reduce health inequities for neurodivergent people, inspired his PhD research.


​Ben’s PhD research, funded by a School of Health & Psychological Sciences studentship, explores the emergency department experiences of neurodivergent individuals, specifically autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults. Ben is surrounded by an expert team: Dr Christina Malamateniou (1st supervisor), Dr Themis Karaminis (2nd supervisor), Dr Emily Skelton (advisor) and Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou (advisor). 

 

​As a neurodivergent individual himself (autistic, ADHD, and dyslexic), Ben brings a unique dual perspective to his research, drawing on both his professional knowledge and lived experience. By sharing his time between his clinical practice and his PhD project, Ben ensures his research is grounded in current professional practice. 

 

Emphasising collaborative and participatory research methodologies is a core principle of Ben's work. Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD individuals are not merely research subjects but will act as equal collaborators, giving community members a role in shaping the research that intends to serve them. This approach is essential for driving change and ensuring the proposed solutions are tangible and resonate with those they are designed to support.

 

The products of this work aim to drive systemic change by informing policy, improving clinical training, and promoting a more accessible and inclusive healthcare environment across emergency care, the wider NHS and beyond. 

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