Research

The unit is linked to the University of Cambridge Department of Developmental Psychiatry and has participated in research looking at the genetic basis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. We have been involved in a Department of Health audit of the role of child and adolescnet inpatient services. We have hosted research projects on the unit looking at the role of music therapy in the assessment and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and the psychotherapeutic understanding of emotional recognition and regulation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Between 2000 and 2003 a major research project was undertaken at the Croft, looking at music therapy and children on the autistic spectrum. Included in this research was an evaluation of the individual music therapy diagnostic assessments carried out with thirty children at the Croft.