Welcome to our Group for Research in Relationships And NeuroDiversity (GRRAND)

 

We are a diverse collective of researchers, scholars, art activists, advocates, service users, NHS professionals, and health consultants united by a shared commitment to human development and neurodiversity.

Our team brings expertise in co-producing and co-delivering research and training across developmental psychology, mental health, and neurodiversity. With an award-winning training team, we support the NHS workforce across inpatient, community, and health and justice settings—focusing on autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities.

Our research ranks in the top 5% of global research outputs, as measured by Altmetric. During the pandemic, our co-authored reports were cited by the Policy Innovation and Evaluation Research Unit (PIRU), contributing directly to the UK Government’s Autism Strategy 2021–2026.

GRRAND is proudly based in the Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology at University College London’s Faculty of Brain Sciences. We also collaborate closely with the Anna Freud Centre’s Education and Training Division, working to improve access to mental health services for neurodivergent people. 

 

                              Our mission 

 

Our mission is to drive groundbreaking translational science that actively challenges and dismantles harmful stereotypes about neurodivergent and disabled individuals across the lifespan—while celebrating their strengths, identities, and unique lived experiences.

 

                   A note on neurodiversity 

 

Neurodiversity is like biodiversity. But instead of being about trees and plants it's about human brains. Where biodiversity means that there are lots of different types of plants and animals, neurodiversity means there are lots of different types of human brains.

For example, your brain might work very similarly to some humans, but also very differently - and in very specific ways. When this happens, your group is identified as neurodivergent and might have a label like autism or ADHD. Neurotypical, on the other hand, means your brain works similarly to the majority.

If you are neurodivergent it usually means that you need to learn differently. You might also concentrate differently, behave or act a little differently, and even communicate or think differently.

Needing more support around this is okay because the world we live in is not yet set up to meet your needs. It’s not a problem with neurodivergent people – it’s a problem that society needs to learn about and find solutions to in partnership with neurodivergent people.

 

Rethinking Relationships, Representation & Research

 

Traditionally, projects about neurodivergent people have been developed without their input. GRRAND breaks that mould, placing lived experience at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to redefining narratives around disability—with neurodivergent people, for neurodivergent people.

Relationships are one of the most vital aspects of life. Yet, we often overlook how deeply they impact our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. For neurodivergent individuals, connecting with family, friends, and the wider community can come with unique challenges—but also unique strengths and opportunities. Research shows that people who enjoy strong social connections live longer, are happier, physically healthier, and experience fewer mental health difficulties.

At GRRAND, we aim to deepen our understanding of the social factors that influence well-being across the lifespan of people with autism, ADHD, neurodevelopmental conditions, and genetic syndromes. Our approach is rooted in co-produced research and knowledge exchange, led by and with neurodivergent people, in ways that suit their communication preferences, access needs, and identities.

To achieve this, we collaborate with an inclusive network of researchers, educators, advocates, service users, activists, and charity leaders. We combine behavioural, phenomenological, and participatory research methods with a developmental, lifespan approach. At the heart of our work are neurodivergent-led advisory and co-production groups, who ensure our projects reflect the real-world priorities of the communities we serve.

We are also deeply interested in the power of creativity as a tool for connection, communication, and empowerment. Our team works with both autistic and non-autistic researchers, artists, and participants to explore how creative collaboration can spark new ideas, challenge stereotypes, and amplify authentic voices. These exchanges are mutually enriching, offering communities opportunities to express themselves, build confidence, and explore our research themes on their own terms.