
Ellen Ridley – PhD Researcher, Durham University
I have been involved in Williams syndrome (WS) research since 2016 when I worked as a research assistant on a project exploring music perception in children with WS at Durham University. Many WS families took part in this study via the WSF and welcomed me warmly into their home. It was during these home visits that parents voiced concerns about their child’s social interactions and potential vulnerability as they gain independence.
I am thrilled to have now secured funding from the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund for a Doctoral Fellowship to research social vulnerability over the next three years of my PhD (working with Professor Debbie Riby within the Centre for Developmental Disorders at Durham). Crucially, the WSF is an official partner on this project and is supporting the work.
Using a mixed-method innovative approach, I will be carrying out a range of exciting studies to try to understand pathways to social vulnerability (e.g. focus groups with young people with WS, virtual reality, eye-tracking, parental insights etc.) I am interested to know how (i) social behaviours, (ii) anxiety and (iii) learning disability contribute to profiles of social vulnerability.
I am passionate about supporting people with WS in society and their wider family unit; therefore, a final aim of my PhD will be to develop a practical resource to guide and support families and raise awareness of social skills and potential social vulnerability – hopefully having a positive impact for families with WS.
I look forward to working closely with the WSF and with many families and young people with WS over the next three years.