Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental conditions affecting ~10% of people. Young people with ASD and ADHD experience substantial adversity (e.g. bullying, maltreatment) which is linked with poor adult outcomes. However, some people may show resilience, demonstrating adaptive outcomes, for example positive wellbeing, despite this adversity.
I will explore resilience in ASD and ADHD, from childhood to young adulthood. I will conduct a qualitative study to determine what adaptive outcomes look like to young people with ASD/ADHD. Then, using data from two large studies that follow young people over time, I will investigate factors linked with adaptive outcomes in ASD and ADHD. Using innovative statistical analyses, I will test the roles of child characteristics, the family and social environment, and genetics.
The findings will inform future interventions to reduce adversity and boost resilience amongst young people with neurodevelopmental conditions.