BRIDGE is an innovative research project which aims to develop inclusive and accessible measures of cognitive executive functions specifically for people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disabilities that co-occur with rare genetic conditions or autism are often excluded from traditional research, heightening inequalities. This is partly because current cognitive assessments are rarely suitable or accessible for them. To address this gap, BRIDGE will create and test new measurement tools appropriate to a broader spectrum of cognitive abilities.

Involvement from people with intellectual disabilities and their families is woven into every part of the project, ensuring that the measures developed are meaningful, usable, and beneficial for families, clinicians and academics.

What is involved in the project?

A questionnaire to improve understanding

The upcoming phase of the project asks people to complete a survey to help the researchers understand more about behaviour, wellbeing, emotion, physical and mental health in children and adults with genetic syndromes, neurodevelopmental conditions, and intellectual disabilities. This phase is known as the BEOND study, and you can find more information about it at https://www.cerebranetwork.com/beond.

Play-based assessments with families and carers

We are also developing novel assessments that involve families and carers playing with people with intellectual disabilities in their own homes. This approach is intended to ensure the research is inclusive and accessible.

Find out more about this study

Hear from the research team about why this study is so important:

Watch our short introduction to the questionnaire:

Find out more from the research team about the play-based assessments:

Watch our introduction to the play assessments:

How can I take part?

The BEOND survey is launching early in 2026. To find out more about taking part, visit: https://www.cerebranetwork.com/beond.

The BRIDGE play-based assessments will be launching from spring 2026. To express your interest in taking part in the BRIDGE play-based assessments, please contact the team.

This project has received funding from Shionogi.