I joined Aston University in 2017 after working as a Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist at the Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. I am currently a Reader in Psychology and Co-Lead of the Cerebra Network, a national research collaboration focused on improving outcomes for people with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental conditions who have complex needs and communication differences.

My research focuses on understanding, identifying, and reducing mental health difficulties in people with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those who use few or no words. I lead a programme of research spanning assessment, intervention development, and clinical implementation, with a particular focus on anxiety, emotional wellbeing, and access to evidence-based psychological support.

Much of my work centres on groups who have historically been underrepresented in psychological research, including individuals with severe and profound intellectual disability and people with rare genetic syndromes. 

Alongside my research, I am committed to ensuring that findings translate into meaningful real-world impact. I co-lead the Cerebra Network's knowledge exchange activities and established the FIND resource platform, which provides accessible, evidence-informed information for families, clinicians, educators, and support services working with people with rare genetic syndromes.

I am also passionate about developing the next generation of researchers and clinicians. Through supervision, mentorship, and collaborative research opportunities, I aim to support early-career colleagues in building expertise in intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental conditions, and applied clinical research.

Alongside my academic role, I continue to practise clinically through specialist rare syndrome clinics and consultation services, working directly with families and multidisciplinary teams to support the assessment and management of behavioural, emotional, and mental health needs in individuals with rare genetic syndromes.

Current PhD Supervision

I currently supervise doctoral research spanning mental health, psychological interventions, and early support for people with intellectual disability and rare genetic syndromes:

• Courtney Greenhill (final year) – Investigating mental health and psychological wellbeing in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, with a particular focus on understanding factors associated with emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
• Jessica Bodfish (second year) – Exploring values-informed therapeutic approaches for adolescents and young people with intellectual disability, drawing on third-wave psychological therapies.
• Lily Waller (first year) – Examining opportunities for early intervention in young children with rare genetic syndromes who may be at increased likelihood of developing anxiety and related emotional difficulties.

Dr Waite's research focuses on understanding, identifying, reducing mental health difficulties in people with intellectual disability and neurodevelopmental conditions.