Berkshire Autism Research Network

The Berkshire Autism Research Network (BARN) constitutes a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and special educators from within and outside the School, who are involved in studying and supporting children and adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

We are always looking for volunteers with a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Conditions to take part in our research. Our research would be impossible without the help of volunteers like you!

Our research team - Our recent publications

Academic staff

Bhismadev Chakrabarti
Associate Professor. Office: 223; Tel: 5551; Email: b.chakrabarti@reading.ac.uk

Bhismadev Chakrabarti's research group studies emotion perception, empathy, and autism. A number of techniques, including fMRI, gaze-tracking, and psychophysiology are used to investigate these topics, in collaboration with other members of the CINN and this group. Individual differences at a genetic level are studied in collaboration with the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge.

Fiona Knott
Senior Lecturer. Office: 150; Tel: 7539; Email: f.j.knott@reading.ac.uk

Fiona Knott is interested in the development and manifestation of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with particular regard to parenting and cognitive behavioural treatment. She has examined the nature of family and peer relationships in the context of autism spectrum disorder and the impact of beliefs and attributions about ASD on family functioning and friendships.

Tom Loucas
Lecturer. Office: G74; Tel: 4697; Email: t.loucas@reading.ac.uk

Tom Loucas' research focuses on language and autism. This includes studies on a) ASD and Speech and language impairment, b) autism prevalence, c) nature of language processing and SLI, and d) language differences in pragmatics and processing in children with autism with ‘normal’ language.

Jessie Ricketts
Reader. Email: j.ricketts@reading.ac.uk

Jessie Ricketts' research at the Institute of Education focusses on reading and language acquisition in typical and atypical populations (with a special focus on children with Specific Reading Comprehension Impairments, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Specific Language Impairment).

Cathy Tissot
Senior Lecturer. Email: c.tissot@reading.ac.uk

Cathy Tissot's research at the Institute of Education focusses on educational implications for individuals with severe /profound disability, especially sexuality, and social aspects.