Dr Dawn Wimpory

Lecturer / Practitioner in Clinical Psychology

d.wimpory@bangor.ac.uk

–

Dr Dawn Wimpory

View Dr Dawn Wimpory’s profile on the Bangor Research Portal

Dr Dawn Wimpory holds a Joint Appointment post as Lecturer-Practitioner in Clinical Psychology at the University of Bangor and a Consultant Clinical Psychologist (Lead for ASD) in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

The Social Timing Hypothesis (Wimpory et al., 2002) underpins her approach from a clinical perspective and in terms of research output.  Social timing represents temporal aspects of the 'dance' of interaction; involving intra- and inter-personal levels of cross-modal expression, processing and comprehension (with simultaneity, sequential and/or bi-directional synchrony). Transactional assimilation of these processes enables us to feel at ease with one another, and social timing difficulties of biological aetiology are hypothesised as primary in autism (Wimpory et al., 2002).

Dr Dawn Wimpory's research relates closely to, and impacts on, clinical practice.  For example, she has developed an innovative parent-oriented approach to diagnostic interviewing (Detection of Autism by Infant Sociability Interview (DAISI)) and has introduced Musical Interaction Therapy (MIT), a parent-mediated therapy. In this way, MIT is comparable with Pre-school Autism Communication Trial (PACT), though MIT focuses on children with the most severely affected forms of ASD, for whom toys are too distracting from interaction. Instead MIT offers a prolonged and exaggerated form of preverbal interaction without toys, whereby the potential social timing of the parent-child dyad is therapeutically supported by the live accompaniment of a Musical Interaction Therapist. Both and DAISI and MIT reflect Dawn's long held interest in the role of social timing in the development of typically developing children and those with ASD, ranging from genetics to a broader conceptualisation of how social timing may impact on the core difficulties in ASD, including teasing, pretence, empathy, communication etc.

Please follow this link for MIT video

Music Interaction Therapy (MIT) - video of clinical sessions

Please follow this link for a video of Dr Dawn Wimpory presenting in an online conference

Social timing hypothesis, clock genes, repetitive behaviour

d.wimpory@bangor.ac.uk  

  • Professional: • Dyadic Communication Measure for Autism (DCMA) training, for Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) research video analysis
    2017
  • Professional: Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (version 2) training including Toddler Module,
    Pearson Clinical, 2013
  • Professional: Certified Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R) training, ADI-R Trainer status awarded in February 2015.
    2007
  • PhD: Social Engagement in Preschool Children with Autism, (Supervisors: Professor Mark Williams, UWB & Professor Peter Hobson, University College London)
    1996
  • Other: A Level Second Language Welsh, grade A
    1991
  • MSc: Clinical Psychology
    University of Exeter, 1988
  • MA: Child Clinical Psychology (specialising in Autism). First Candidate to gain Triple Distinction (dissertation, course & clinical work) Child Development Research Unit
    University of Nottingham, 1985
  • BEd: Psychology and Education, 1st Class Honours
    University of Wales, Cardiff, 1984

Research Supervisor on the following Bangor University under/postgraduate degrees

  • PhD (2020 – 2023) “Translation of empirical findings from the social timing of interactions, to assess and therapeutically address Social Reciprocity Difficulties in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to help delineate its diagnostic boundary” Judit Elias-Masiques
  • MscRes (2020-2022) “Interoceptive Awareness Opportunities during Outdoor Education: Developing an Adventure Therapy programme for children with a history of complex trauma” Kitty Forster
  • Co-supervised: Masters in Psychology and Music, University of Sheffield. Student: Marie-Clare Howarth (Music Interaction Therapy practitioner/music therapist)
  • MRes (2010-2012 KESS) “A Longitudinal Study of individuals with Autism: from Early Childhood to Adulthood” Abi Methley
  • MRes (2010 – 2013 KESS) “Gait Analysis in Autism: A Potential Diagnostic Tool” Kitty Forster
  • Doctoral Clinical Psychology programme; Colin Clerkins
  • PhD: A Clock Gene Test for Severe Autism: “The role of microRNA Molecules in the Aetiology of Autism / Role of small regulatory microRNAs in the development of Autism (towards a clock gene test for severe autism)” School of Biological Sciences.
  • MPhil (2018): “Social Timing in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder” Anne Muth

Teaching contributions have been made periodically to various undergraduate/postgraduate course at Bangor University: 

  • BSc (Psychology, e.g., Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities);
  • BA (Music, re: Music Therapy);
  • MSc: Foundations of Clinical Psychology; Applied Behaviour Analysis; Psychological Research; Theoretical Models, also Clinical Psychology at Exeter University).
  • Doctoral Clinical Psychology programme, related to ASD specifically.

Published materials for professional training

Wimpory, D and Methley, A. (Oct, 2011) “Therapi Rhwngweithiol gyda Chymorth Cerddoral”.  Welsh-medium ASD Training DVD, 500 copies.

Methley, A. and Wimpory, D (June, 2011) “Music Interaction Therapy for Children with Autism”.  ASD Training DVD launched at ESRC-funded Workshop on Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism, Bangor University, 500 copies.

Flack R., Harris J., Wimpory, D., Jordan, R.  (1996) Special Educational Needs of Children with Autism: Communication Module (EDSE 02, Unit 3) edited by Jordan R, University of Birmingham.

Harris, J. & Wimpory, D.C. (1994; 1991) BIMH Workshop Modules 'Get Kids Talking' / 'Cael Plant YnSiarad.' First Draft Publications. Copyrights: BIMH British Institute of Mental Handicap, BILD British Institute of Learning Disability and CanolfanYmchwilCymru.

Harris, J. & Wimpory, D.C. (1992) Theories of Language Development: Autism, Module 2 Unit 2: for Advanced Certificate in Education - Special Educational Needs Autism: Birmingham University..

Wimpory, D. (1985) Enabling Communication in Young Autistic Children. Training Film for teachers (60 mins videotape).  Copies made available via the European Autistic Society and from The Child Development Research Unit, Nottingham University.

Forster, K., Henderson, B., Yogarajah, P., Gardiner, B., McGinnity, T.M., Nicholas, B., & Wimpory, D.C. (2022).  Increased temporal variability of gait in ASD: A motion capture and machine learning analysis. IN PREPARATION

Daniel, S., Wimpory, D., Delafield-Butt, J., Malloch, S., Holck, U., Geretsegger, M., Tortora, S., Osborne, N., Schogler, B., Koch, S., Elias-Masiques, J., Howorth, M., Dunbar, P., Swan, K., Rochat, M. J., Scholchtermeier, R., Forster, K., Amos, P. (2022). Rhythmic Relating: Bidirectional Support for Social Timing in Autism Therapies. Frontiers in Developmental Psychology. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.793258

Wimpory, D & Gwilym, E (2019).  Music Therapy and Autism Across the Lifespan: A Spectrum of Approaches. In H. Dunn, E. Coombes, E. MacLean, H. Motram & J. Nugent (Eds.), Musical Interaction Therapy (MIT) for Children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs): Underlying Rationale, Clinical Practice and Research Evidence. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 

Carrington, S.J., Uljarevic, M, Roberts, A, White, L.J., Morgan, L., Wimpory, D., Ramsden, C. & Leekam, S, R.  (2016) Knowledge acquisition and research evidence in autism: Researcher and practitioner perspectives and engagement. Article reference: RIDD2790. Online article in Research in Developmental Disabilities, pp. 126-134 DOI information: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.01.011* (Impact Factor 2.7)

Wimpory, D.  (2015) A Social Timing Based Model Of Autism: Informed By Typical Development, in Allman, M & Vatakis, A (Eds) Time Distortions in Mind: Temporal processing in Clinical Populations, Brill: Leiden, The Netherlands **

Griffith, G., Walker-Jones, E., Fitzpatrick, H., Goodson, L., Pickering, N., Wimpory, D., Cernyw, E. & Hastings, R. (2013) Receiving an assessment and potential diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. A Thematic Content Analysis of parental experiences. Good Autism Practice, 14(2), October, 59-68 *

Wimpory, D. (2013). Detection of Autism by Infant Sociability Interview (DAISI). In Fred R. Volkmar (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders ISBN: 978-1-4419-1697-6 (Print), 978-1-4419-1698-3 (Online). Springer reference. **

Nicholas B., Owen M.J., Wimpory, D., Caspari ,T (2008) Autism-associated SNPs in the clock genes npas2, per1 and the homeobox gene en2 alter DNA sequences that show characteristics of microRNA genes. Online article on the Nature Precedings website following its Editorial review.  http://precedings.nature.com/documents/2366/version/1 **

Nicholas B., Rudrasingham V., Nash, S., Kirov G., Owen M.J., Wimpory, D. (2007) Association of Per1 and Npas2 with Autistic Disorder:  Support for the Clock Genes/Social Timing Hypothesis. Molecular Psychiatry, 12, (6) 581-592 (48 peer-reviewed citations; Impact Factor 13.3)*

Wimpory, D., Hobson, P. R, Nash, S. (2007) What Facilitates Social Engagement in Preschool Children with Autism? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.37, (3) 564-573. (17 peer-reviewed citations: Impact Factor 3.5)*

Wimpory, D., Nicholas, B., Nash, S (2002) Social Timing, Clock Genes and Autism: A New Hypothesis, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research.  46, (4) 352-358 (35 peer-reviewed citations: Impact Factor 2.1)*                                                                                

Hyde, C., Wimpory, D. & Nash, S. (2001) Coding of Active Sociability in Preschoolers with Autism (CASPA) in Richer, J. & Coates, S. (Eds), Autism – The Search for Coherence. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London.

Wimpory, D., Williams, J.M.G., Nash, S., Hobson, R.P. (2000) Are infants with autism socially engaged? A study of recent retrospective parental reports. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.30, (6) 525-536. (82 peer-reviewed citations; Impact Factor 3.5)*

Wimpory, D., Nash, S. (1999) Musical interaction play therapy - therapeutic play for children with autism. Child Language Teaching and Therapy.15, 17-28. (9 peer-reviewed citations; Impact Factor 1.1)*

Wimpory, D., Nash, S., Kurian, N. (Eds), (1999). Dyslexia, Autism and Mental Retardation.  (Book) Kerala, India: Grace Academy Publications.

Wimpory, D., Nash, S. (1999). Musical interaction therapy for children with Autism. In Schaeffer, C. (Ed), Innovative psychotherapy techniques in child and adolescent therapy. 2nd Edition.  New York: Wiley.

Wimpory, D., Chadwick, P., Nash, S. (1995) Brief Report: Musical interaction therapy for children with autism: An evaluative case study with two year follow-up. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.  25, 541-552. (31 peer-reviewed citations; Impact Factor 3.5)*

Harris, J. & Wimpory, D.C. (1993) Interactive approaches to language development. In J. Harris (Ed), 'Innovations in Educating Children with Severe Learning Difficulties'. Lisieux Hall.

Wimpory, D.C.  (1993) Communication Therapy with Synchronised Music for Children with Autism. The Psychologist (February), 6, 1.**

Wimpory, D.C. (1991) Mental Handicap Nursing: Autism - Breaking through the barriers.       Nursing Times, 87(34): 58-61. *

Wimpory, D.C. & Cochrane, V. (1991) Criteria for evaluative research with special reference to Holding Therapy. Communication, 25, 15-17**

Wimpory, D.C. & Christie, P.  (1986) Recent Research into the Development of Communicative Competence and its Implications for the Teaching of Autistic Children, Communication, 20 (1) 4-7.**

Wimpory, D.C.(1986) Developing Sociability in Preverbal Children with Learning-Disability (Autism).  Bulletin of the British Psychological  Society, 39, 1086, A147-147.

Published materials for professional training

Wimpory, D and Methley, A. (Oct, 2011) “Therapi Rhwngweithiol gyda Chymorth Cerddoral”.  Welsh-medium ASD Training DVD, 500 copies.

Methley, A. and Wimpory, D (June, 2011) “Music Interaction Therapy for Children with Autism”.  ASD Training DVD launched at ESRC-funded Workshop on Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism, Bangor University, 500 copies.

Flack R., Harris J., Wimpory, D., Jordan, R.  (1996) Special Educational Needs of Children with Autism: Communication Module (EDSE 02, Unit 3) edited by Jordan R, University of Birmingham.

Harris, J. & Wimpory, D.C. (1994; 1991) BIMH Workshop Modules 'Get Kids Talking' / 'Cael Plant YnSiarad.' First Draft Publications. Copyrights: BIMH British Institute of Mental Handicap, BILD British Institute of Learning Disability and CanolfanYmchwilCymru.

Harris, J. & Wimpory, D.C. (1992) Theories of Language Development: Autism, Module 2 Unit 2: for Advanced Certificate in Education - Special Educational Needs Autism: Birmingham University..

Wimpory, D. (1985) Enabling Communication in Young Autistic Children. Training Film for teachers (60 mins videotape).  Copies made available via the European Autistic Society and from The Child Development Research Unit, Nottingham University.

Selected Lectures/Presentations at Conferences, etc

(The following are in addition to ongoing in-service training offered to NHS/LEAs)

Wimpory D.C, Nicholas B.D., Elias J., Powell A., Muth A. (2018). The Science of Social Interaction meeting 11-12 September 2018.  Poster presentation: Developing a Pioneer Measure for assessing Social Timing in Autism within Musical Interaction Therapy.  Bangor University, UK.

Wimpory D & Leekam S. (2016) Public Health Wales & WLGA Community of Practice event, Improving Neurodevelopmental Services. Workshop: Research Developments in an ASD database for Wales. All Wales meeting of Neurodevelopmental Clinicians, All Nations Centre, Cardiff.

Wimpory, D. (2016) Presentation for/by Derwen’s Team’s Conference for wider cross-agency Professionals, January, 2016, on Social Communicative Development in Typically Developing Children & in those with ASD; Musical Interaction Therapy (MIT) for Autism. Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.

Wimpory, D. (2015) Social Cognition workshop. Poster presentation: Action research on musical interaction therapy in a clinical context: Measuring social/temporal effects of synchronising live music to the interactions of ASD child-carer dyads. Bangor University.

Wimpory, D. (2014) ‘Temporal aspects of Gait in Autism’, K R Forster, B Nicholas, DC Wimpory. Poster presented to the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Wimpory, D. (2014) ‘Closing the gap between research, policy and practice’, Christopher Ramsden, Alessandra Roberts, Mirko Uljareviæ, Sarah Carrington, Louise White, Lynda Morgan, Dawn Wimpory and Susan Leekam.

Wimpory, D. (2014) “Examples of Good Practice in Wales: Knowledge Exchange in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)" Welsh Government (NISCHR) AHSC Knowledge Mobilisation workshop, Cardiff.

Wimpory D, Forster K (2013) ‘Gait analysis in Autism: A potential diagnostic tool’ Poster presented at ‘Time In MEntaLactivitY: theoretical, behavioral, bioimaging and clinical perspectives (TIMELY). TIMELY School on ‘Timing and Time Perception: Procedures, Measures, & Applications’ Corfu, Greece.

Wimpory, D. (2013).  Results of the regional pilot of a National ASD Database for Wales. Poster presented to the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) in Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain.

Wimpory, D. (2013) ‘Results of database diagnostic analysis for 2012’ presented at the ‘Autism: Sharing Good Practice Conference’ for the BCUHB Chief Executive and child autism staff.  Abergele, North Wales.

Wimpory, D. (2012) “Developmental Implications of Social Timing Issues in Autism”, Invited Funded Trainer for EU-funded Temporal Processing in Clinical Populations.  International Meeting of researchers working on time and time perception, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Wimpory, D. (2012). Introduction to Martin Raff’s Public Lecture on Neurodevelopmental Biology of Autism, “Developing a new approach to the diagnosis and development of potential treatments for the condition”, Bangor University.

Wimpory, D. (2011) Psychology Departmental Seminar, “Developmental Implications of timing difficulties in autism: genetic, social and intervention issues”, Lancaster University.

Wimpory D (2011) “Update on research/clinical ASD database” ASD Learning and Improvement Network Meeting (ASD National Strategy, Social Services Improvement Agency) Conwy Business Centre, Llandudno Junction.

Wimpory, D (2011) “Working towards Intersubjectivity in Autism through support for Social Timing” ESRC-funded Workshop on Early Intervention for Young Children with Autism, PJ Hall. Bangor University.

Wimpory, D (2011) “Update on Pilot for National Autism Database” for Wales Autism Research Centre (WARC)’s Open Afternoon, WARC, Cardiff University (with Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services, Wales Assembly Government).

Lidstone, J., Leekam, S., Ramsden, C., & Wimpory, D. (Sep 2011). How are standardised developmental assessments used in clinical practice? Qualitative and quantitative findings on the diagnosis of autism. Poster presented at the British Psychological Society Developmental Section Conference. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.

Leekam, S., Wimpory, D., Lidstone, J, Ramsden, C. & Morgan, H. (2011) “How are diagnostic tools used in clinical practice?  Evidence from a nationwide survey of children’s diagnostic services in Wales, UK.” Poster accepted by International Society for Autism Research (INFAR)’s 10th Anniversary Meeting.

Wyn Jones, D., Nicholas., B., Wimpory, D., Caspari, T. (2010). “The Circadian clock and its control of DNA repair may lead to the autistic phenotype. Meeting abstract: 3rd International Genome Dynamics in Neurosciences Conference: DNA Repair and Neurological Disease”. Brighton, UK.

Wimpory, D (2010) “Wimpory’s ASD Research Projects and Findings” presented to BCUHB (Autism Project Board’s Stakeholders’ Meeting, Bangor (NHS).

Wimpory, D (2008)  “Social Communication Disorders: Implications from recent clock gene studies.” Invited Lecture for the North Wales Paediatricians’ Forum, NWHA.

Wimpory, D and Nicholas, B., (2007)  “Two clock genes associated with Autistic Disorder.”  Poster presented at The All Wales Alliance for Research and Development (AWARD) Conference: Working together to deliver evidence-based care, Bangor University.

Wimpory, D. (2007)  “A molecular genetics study prompted by clinical observations of communicative timing in autism.”  Invited Seminar for School of Psychology’s Clinical and Health Psychology Colloquium, B.U.

Wimpory, D. (2007) “"A developmental timing-based account of Autistic Disorder: from clinical observations to genetic findings" Invited Lecture for the Inaugural Autism Research Conference Wales, Autism Cymru/Autism Speaks, Cardiff.

Wimpory, D. (2006) “Musical Interaction Therapy”.  Invited presentations to Wales’ 2nd International Autism Conference, Autism Cymru, Cardiff.

Wimpory, D. (2006) “What Facilitates Social Engagement in Preschool Children with Autism?”  Invited Paper presented to International Autism Online Conference, Autism Cymru/Autism Speaks.

Wimpory, D. (2005) “Early Intervention for Autism: Determining the efficacy of Musical Interaction Therapy.”  Invited Lecture for the Royal College of Paediatricians’ Conference, Derby.

Wimpory, D (2004) “Timing difficulties in Autism.” Invited Lecture for Wales’ 1st International Autism Conference, Autism Cymru, Cardiff, (1996-1997 & 2000-2001: 12 months x2 Maternity Leave)

Wimpory, D. (1999) “What Facilitates Social Engagement in Preschool Children with Autism?”  Paper presented to The Search For Coherence From The Fragments Of Autism Conference, Oxford University.

Wimpory, D (1998) Invited Autism Lecture Tour (& book publication, 1999) Kerala, India.

Wimpory, D. (1994) Invited Discussion Paper,  “The Role of Teasing in the Development of Symbolic Functioning: Implications for Autism.”  Child Development Research Unit’s Autism and Infancy Seminar, Nottingham University.

Wimpory, D. (1992)  “Communication Therapy with Synchronised Music for Children with Autism.”  Paper presented at Annual Conference of the British Psychological Society, Edinburgh University. 

Wimpory, D. (1990)  “Facilitating possible precursors to Theory of Mind: A Case Study in Autism.”  Paper presented to Experimental Psychology and The Autistic Syndromes: International Conference, University of Durham.

Wimpory, D. (1990) Facilitating Sociability in Autism” International Special Education Conference. Facilitating Communication in Special Needs Education, Cardiff.

Wimpory, D. (1986) “Developing Sociability in Preverbal Children with Learning-Disability (Autism)”. Paper presented at the BPS Developmental Section Conference, Exeter University.

 

Lead Professional/Collaborative/Sole Reviewer for the British Psychological Society (BPS)’s Published Responses to Welsh, English & Scottish Government Consultations

(via BPS Policy Support Unit):

Wimpory, D, Charman, T., Buchan, L, Howison, J. (2012) The British Psychological Society Response to NHS draft report for the UK National Screening Committee: Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Children below the age of 5 years: http://apps.bps.org.uk/_publicationfiles/consultation-responses/ASD%20Screening%20in%20the%20Under%205s%20-%20BPS%20response.pdf

Wimpory, D. (2011)The British Psychological Society Response to National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence - Scope Consultation: the Management of ASD in Children and Young People:http://apps.bps.org.uk/_publicationfiles/consultation-responses/Management%20of%20ASD%20in%20CYP%20(NICE%20-%20scope)%20-%20BPS%20response.pdf

Corr.P, Ravenhill, J., Wimpory, D, M. Pasteur, Williams, R., Walker-Jones, E, Gerrard, S (2011) The British Psychological Society Response to National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Consultation: Autism spectrum disorders in children and young people: recognition, referral and diagnosis: http://www.bps.org.uk/publicationfiles/consultationresponses/Autism%20in%20CYP%20(NICE%20%20guideline)%20%20BPS%20response.pdf

Morris, J, Wimpory, D., Jones, G., Powis, S (2010) The British Psychological Society Response to DoH’s ¨Consultation on 'Implementing Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives' (Implementing England’s Autism Strategy): http://www.bps.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/consultationpapers_home.cfm?frmAction=details&paperID=943&RegionID=0&iYear=2010&open=false

Yarrow, F, Wimpory D., Chick, H, Goodall, K, Teer, K, Phillips, M, Charman, T.(2010) The British Psychological Society Response to the Scottish Office’s Consultation on ‘Towards an Autism Strategy for Scotland’: http://www.bps.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/consultation-papers_home.cfm?frmAction=details&paperID=954&RegionID=2&iYear=2010&open=false

Wimpory, D. Gilbert, C, Pasteur, M, Channon, S, Oakes, J & Healy, H, (2007) The British Psychological Society’s Response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s  Consultation: The Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan for Wales.  Prepared on behalf of the Division of Clinical Psychology’s Faculty for Children and Young People in Wales B.P.S: http://www.bps.org.uk/_publicationfiles/consultationresponses/Autistic%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20-%20BPS%20response.pdf

2023

2022

2020

2019

2018

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2002

2001

  • PublishedCoding of active sociability in pre-schoolers with Autism
    Wimpory, D. C., Hyde, C., Wimpory, D., Nash, S., Richer, J. (Editor) & Coates, S. (Editor), 1 Jan 2001, Autism: The search for coherence. 2001 ed. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, p. 235-242
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
  • PublishedCoding of Active Sociability in Preschoolers with Autism (CASPA)
    Hyde, C., Wimpory, D. & Nash, S., Apr 2001, Autism: The Search for Coherence. Richer, J. & Coates, S. (eds.). Jessica Kingsley Publishers
    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

2000

1999

1996

1995

1993

1992

1991

1990

1986

1985

2021

  • Social Timing Hypothesis, clock genes, repetitive behaviour

    Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Cambridge University collaboration

    17 Feb 2021

    Activity: Other (Contributor)
  • Music Interaction Therapy (MIT) - clinical video of MIT sessions

    Dr Dawn Wimpory's research relates closely to, and impacts on, clinical practice. For example, she has has introduced Musical Interaction Therapy (MIT), a parent-mediated therapy.  MIT focuses on children with the most severely affected forms of ASD, for whom toys are too distracting from interaction. Instead MIT offers a prolonged and exaggerated form of preverbal interaction without toys, whereby the potential social timing of the parent-child dyad is therapeutically supported by the live accompaniment of a Musical Interaction Therapist. Both and DAISI and MIT reflect Dawn's long held interest in the role of social timing in the development of typically developing children and those with ASD, ranging from genetics to a broader conceptualisation of how social timing may impact on the core difficulties in ASD, including teasing, pretence, empathy, communication etc.

    This video demonstrates MIT in clinic, with parental feedback (and consent to share)

    Publications relating to Dr Wimpory's work on MIT:

    Wimpory, D & Gwilym, E (2019). Music Therapy and Autism Across the Lifespan: A Spectrum of Approaches. In H. Dunn, E. Coombes, E. MacLean, H. Motram & J. Nugent (Eds.), Musical Interaction Therapy (MIT) for Children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs): Underlying Rationale, Clinical Practice and Research Evidence. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

    Wimpory, D., Nash, S. (1999) Musical interaction play therapy - therapeutic playfor children with autism. Child Language Teaching and Therapy.15, 17-28. (9 peer-reviewed citations; Impact Factor 1.1)*

    Wimpory, D., Nash, S. (1999). Musical interaction therapy for children with Autism. In Schaeffer, C. (Ed), Innovative psychotherapy techniques in child and adolescent therapy. 2nd Edition. New York: Wiley.

    Wimpory, D., Chadwick, P., Nash, S. (1995) Brief Report: Musical interaction therapy for children with autism: An evaluative case study with two year follow-up. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 25, 541-552. (31 peer-reviewed citations; Impact Factor 3.5)

    Wimpory, D.C. (1993) Communication Therapy with Synchronised Music for Children with Autism. The Psychologist (February), 6, 1.

    2021 →

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2016

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2008

2007

2005

2000

1998

  • Invited Autism Lecture Tour

    (& book publication, 1999) Kerala, India.

    1998 – 1999

    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)

1994

Research Grant Applications funded primarily to Bangor University

Total of £884,764

  • 2015-2017: Wimpory D (PI) Extension of Regional ASD Database (with health records/psychology profiles of 1,730 diagnosed cases by 28.11.16) BCU Charitable Funds (£5,064) add updates from IAS and from W-ND, in 2018
  • 2012-2018: Wimpory, D. (PI), Nash, S. and Falter, C. Temporal synchrony research covering communicative, neurological and intervention aspects, funded by Baily Thomas with BCUHB Charitable Funds (£106,500) add update from IAS in 2018
  • 2011-2014: Wimpory, D. NISCHR Clinical Research Fellowship. Behavioural-Genetics analysis of Autism Regional Database. (Also recorded in Awards above) (£156,000)
  • 2009-2014: Wimpory, D, (PI) with Professor Sue Leekam (co-PI), Cardiff University, Welsh Government/BCUHB Charitable Funds, “BCUHB Autism Research Database (and its regional extension by BCUHB Charitable Funds): Pilot for a National Autism Database” (£116,000)
  • 2010-2013: Wimpory, D, (PI) BCU Health Board Charitable Funds, “Research Project Support Officer for Autism Database & allied research projects” (£25,000)
  • 2010-2012: Wimpory, D, (PI) (co-supervisor: Professor Rob Ward) Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship funded by the European KESS Program/Gwynedd County Council, “Gait Analysis in Autism as a Potential Diagnostic Tool” (£32,000)
  • 2010-2011: Wimpory, D, (PI) (co-supervisor: Dr Tracey Lloyd) Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship funded by the European KESS Program/Anglesey County Council, “A Longitudinal Study of Individuals with Autism: from Early Childhood to Adulthood” (£30,000)
  • 2009-2010: (Thomas Caspari, PI, School of Biological Sciences with Wimpory, D., Psychology) European KESS Program/Autism Cymru, “Role of small regulatory microRNAs in development of Autism: Developing a clock gene test for severe Autism” (£97,000)*
  • 2008-2010: Wimpory, D. (sole recipient), WAG/Gwynedd & Anglesey County Council Grants (x4) for Autism Research Support/Training Initiatives including development of a DVD Teaching (£46,000)
  • 2008-2009: Caspari T (as PI) with Wimpory D “The role of microRNA Molecules in the Aetiology of Autism” North West Wales Trust Research Grants. Awarding Committee Grant January-Nov. (£5,341).
  • 2006-2009: (Thomas Caspari, PI, School of Biological Sciences with Dr David Linden, School of Psychology, as co-supervisor) Autism Cymru/ESF studentship. “Accounting for aberrant aspects of timing in Autism” (£87,409)* *The two asterisked grants were negotiated by DW but held elsewhere in Bangor University, e.g., to avoid possible conflict of interest.
  • 2003-2006: Wimpory, Dl, as PI (collaborating with Professor Mike Owen, Dr George Kirov, VaruniRudrasingham, Cardiff University), Baily Thomas Charitable Fund plus Autism CymruGrants (including extension funding) for "Timing Genes as Susceptibility Factors in Autistic Disorder." (£77,000)
  • 2000-2003: Wimpory D., (PI) Canolfan Cymru& Autism Cymru funding to employ Postgraduate Molecular Biologist & Psychologist as Research Assistants to initiate Aberrant Timing in Autism Project (£1,250)
  • 1998-2000: Wimpory, D. (as PI) with Professor Peter Hobson and Susan Nash) The Wales Office of Research and Development for Health and Social Care,“Evaluation and Employment of the Coding of Active Sociability in Preschoolers with Autism (CASPA) to identify facilitators of social behaviour in patients with autism” (£69,000)
  • 1989-1997: Wimpory, D, as PI, NHS/University of Wales, Bangor, &/or British Institute of Learning Disabilities, Various Autism Grants re: Evaluations of Developmental Histories, Play-based Assessments and Musical Interaction Therapy.  (£31,200)

 

Grants negotiated by Dr Wimpory, and held for Dr Wimpory’s projects, outside Bangor University (in BCUHB/LEAs)

Total of £852,418

  • 2017-2021: IMPACT: IMPACT (Research & Clinical) Team for addressing Social Communication Difficulties in Children with Complex Needs/Learning Disability. Integrated Care Fund. Includes 0.2FTE PI and 0.6FTE Research Assistant time in addition to funding for Musical Interaction Therapy and associated Psychology Assistant, supervised by DW (£170,000 per annum 2017-2021)
  • 2016: Paediatricians’ Cross-BCU Training Course on Screening for ASD, hosted in Bangor University, funded by West-BCUHB (approx. £2,300)
  • 2015-16: ‘Autism Diagnostic Training in Detection of Autism by Infant Sociability Interview (DAISI), funding awarded by Flintshire Council (£4,985)
  • 2014-16: ‘Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R): Training for multi agency staff’, funding awarded by Denbighshire, Wrexham & Flintshire Councils (£12,613)
  • 2014-16: ‘PACT (Pre-school Autism Communication) Autism intervention Training for multi-agency staff’, funding awarded by Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy & Denbighshire Councils (£33,821)
  • 2013-16: ‘Musical Interaction Therapy provision’ (under Research Evaluation), funding awarded by Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils (£69,244)
  • 2013-14: ‘Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule (ADOS) Diagnostic Training for multi agency staff’, funding awarded by Conwy and Denbighshire Councils (£9,455.40)
  • 2009-12: From Cardiff University, Wales Assembly Government via Gwynedd & Anglesey Councils for Data Collection, Training, Consultancies etc (£116,000)
  • The above awards have supported DW in enabling over 150 places on Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) Training courses (initial & refresher) within North Wales since 2010. See you tube representation of Refresher ADOS training https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3vGh_Ygdvc

Grants for service development

Total of £11,346

  • 2018-19: IAS Parental Yoga & Support Groups £20K in 2018-19
  • 2016-17: ‘Musical Interaction Therapy provision’ from Gwynedd & Anglesey Councils’ Integrated Care Fund (£12,800)
  • 2016-17: ‘Printing of DAISI Schedules’ (Detection of Autism by Infant Sociability Schedule” from Flintshire Council (approximately £400)
  • 2014-15: ‘ASD Sleep-Support Project” funded by Gwynedd & Anglesey Councils (£8,626)
  • 2014-15: ‘Multiply Affected Families’ Support Group Project (for families affected by more than one case of ASD)” funded by Gwynedd & Anglesey Councils (£6,270)
  • 2013-14: ‘Cross-agency sharing of diagnostic information’ ASD Database development funded by Flintshire Council (£2,387)
  • 2013-14: ‘Purchase of specific ADOS material/equipment’ from Wrexham Council (£5,362.94)
  • 2011-12: Wimpory, D. Communication Interventions for Autism, funded by Gwynedd & Anglesey Councils (£59.500).

Other Grants

2012-2014/16:    Leekam, S. (PI), Wimpory, D. (co-PI).  “Developing a Research Policy Practice Hub” ESRC Knowledge Exchange and Welsh Government Grant. The Autism Research Policy Practice Hub (Autism RPP Hub) http://www.autismrpphub.org/ promotes translation of research knowledge of autism and encourages dialogue and collaboration across research, practice and policy sectors. (Its active use was maintained through 2015-16 through its link to the ESRC Seminar Scheme). (£215,000) 

Consultancies: total of £23,520

  • 2016-ongoing: Membership of Welsh Government’s Neurodevelopmental Steering Group
  • 2015-2017/18: Supervision (up to £2,340 per annum, including travel) for Hywel Dda Health Board’s Clinical Psychology Lead for ASD, within BCUHB-salaried post.
  • 2015: Established & Chaired Regional Advisory Group & authored subsequent evidence-based commissioned evidence-based Report: “ASD Interventions Advisory Group: Final Report”, shared with & BCUHB’s & WG’s NDP Steering Group/Leads
  • 2014-2015: 2nd Opinion on diagnostic assessment case for Central BCUHB (Denbighshire), within BCUHB workload.
  • 2011: British Psychological Society’s Representative for NICE Consultation re Autism: the management and support of autistic spectrum conditions in children and young people, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, London.
  • 2010: Consultancy (£5,700) for “Evaluation of diagnosis services in Wales” Wales Assembly Government-funded collaboration with Professsor Sue Leekam and Dr Jane Lidston, WARC, Cardiff University.
  • 2010-2011: Consultancy (£1,130) for ASD survey re: prevalence and service needs of North Wales Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Wales Assembly Government-funded collaboration with Dr Mike Jackson, BCUHB.
  • 2009-2011: Consultancy (£14,350) to establish prevalence of Autism in Children in Gwynedd and Anglesey, funded by Gwynedd and Anglesey Councils.
  • 2007-2012: Professional lead/sole/collaborator contributor on six of the British Psychological Society (BPS)’s Policy Support Unit published responses to government consultations (see references for these in publications section above).
  • 2004, 2006 & 2007: Invited consultations for International Autism Online Conferences (Autism Cymru/Autism Speaks)
  • 2003-2005: Invited membership of Welsh Assembly Government’s Steering Group (and working parties) collaboratively formulating/authoring The ASD Strategic Plan for Wales (as Wales’ Child Clinical Psychologist representative)
  • 2003/4: Invited membership of Welsh Assembly Government‘s ASD Task & Finish Groups, Department of Education and Training.
  • Prior to 2000: Diagnostic Consultancy for, & funded by, Powys Health Authority, within North Wales Health Authority workload.
  • 1998: Invited Lecture Tour and Autism-based Consultancy, Kerala, S. India
  • 1998: until formation of Welsh Assembly Government: Autism Advisor to the former Welsh Office (via Wales Clinical Psychologists’ Advisory Group)