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Welcome to the University of Southampton research blog for the Doctorate in Educational Psychology.
Our trainees submit assignments demonstrating their ability to generate new knowledge and synthesise existing research. Essays and critiques published here have all been graded as being at distinction level in at least one area.

“The creation of the research hub, a repository of essays, theses, papers and podcasts is unique, a fantastic resource for practitioners in the field as well as past and current students.”
Dr Andrew Richards, External Advisor 2025, University of Exeter

“This programme’s excellent provision supports and develops trainees’ critical appraisal skills, equipping them for carrying out doctoral level research and preparing them for professional practice”
Dr Richard Parker and Dr Pandora Giles, External Examiners 2024

Recent Posts

Attention Autism: An academic critique (2026)

Authors: Sophie Brinsmead and Colin Woodcock
Published: 2026
Publication: DECP Debate

Attention Autism is an intervention programme that aims to develop children’s attention, connection and engagement. This critique considers the intervention from the perspectives of joint attention, social motivation and monotropism. A systematic review examines the effectiveness of Attention Autism on joint attention in pre-school and primary children from (birth to eleven). Findings from five studies are discussed. Whilst all five studies report a positive impact of the programme, issues are identified in both intervention fidelity and methodological rigour. Given these issues, it is difficult to assert confidently that positive results arose specifically from Attention Autism itself. There is a need for further, more rigorous research. Implications for professionals and future research are discussed.

Brinsmead, S. and Woodcock, C. (2026) Attention Autism: An academic critique. DECP Debate, 193, 5-17 https://doi.org/10.53841/bpsdeb.2026.1.193.5

Download (pre-publication version)

 

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