Cerebra Network

The Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders has developed a world-leading research programme, through which the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics associated with complex disorders and rare genetic syndromes have been documented. The next phase of this research will be taken forward by the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Little boy who's being helped by the University of Birmingham's Cerebra research.

Cerebra Network

The Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders has developed a world-leading research programme, through which the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics associated with complex disorders and rare genetic syndromes have been documented. The next phase of this research will be taken forward by the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

University of BirminghamUniversity of Warwick

The research will focus on key themes that are central to improving the lives of individuals with severe and complex needs and their families including research into sleep, atypical autism and mental health, while continuing their work on self-injurious behaviour and pain in this population.

Our Sleep Advice Service

Sleep influences almost every human activity from learning new information, storing memories, influencing our moods and helping cell development. Given the impact of sleep it is not surprising that poor sleep has a significant negative impact on people. Unfortunately short and disrupted sleep is common in children with brain conditions.

Despite all of this, research on sleep in children with brain conditions is sadly lacking. The Sleep Project we help fund will change this.

The cutting edge research will lead on:

  • Understanding different types and causes of sleep problems
  • Identifying how poor sleep impacts on children with brain conditions and their families
  • Trialling new interventions to reduce sleep problems

Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders

In the next phase of this research programme, the Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders will be making an exciting transition by expanding to comprise a collaborative and dynamic network of researchers. The Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders will be led by four alumni of the Cerebra Centre; Dr Caroline Richards (University of Birmingham), Dr Jo Moss (University of Surrey), Dr Jane Waite (Aston University) and Dr Hayley Crawford (University of Warwick). Network research hubs located at each university will focus on key themes that are central to improving the lives of individuals with severe and complex needs and their families including research into sleep, atypical autism and mental health, while continuing their work on self-injurious behaviour and pain in this population.

Visit the Network’s Website

Research at the Network

The Network team introduce the research they will be undertaking.

Annual Report

Read the annual report for the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders explaining the focus of their work and achievements for 2022.

FIND website

The FIND website is for parents/carers and professionals. It provides information about neurogenetic disorders including Cri Du Chat, Angelman and Cornelia De Lange. For professionals there is access to an interactive database. The website also gives information on current research projects that are being conducted in individuals with rare genetic syndromes and neurodevelopmental disorders. Go to the website

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Cerebra Count Me In Lottery

Count Me In Lottery

Taking part in our ‘Count Me In’ Lottery is a wonderful way to make a real difference to children with brain conditions and their families. It also means you are in with a chance to win our big weekly prize.