Dr Gareth Richards

Research Associate

Gareth is a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge Autism Research Centre, who is currently working on the ‘Suicide, Autism and Autistic Traits’ project. This work is led by Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen and Dr. Sarah Cassidy, is funded by the NIHR CLAHRC-EoE, and proceeds with the following basic aims: 1) to determine the prevalence of autism in suicide, 2) to investigate suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts in adults with autism, and 3) to determine the extent to which autism is a risk factor for suicide.

Gareth completed a BSc in Psychology and MSc in Research Methods in Psychology at Swansea University. He then moved to Cardiff University to complete a PhD under the supervision of Prof. Andy Smith at the Centre for Occupational & Health Psychology. Gareth’s PhD thesis investigated caffeinated energy drink use in relation to mental health, academic attainment, and problem behaviour in adolescents and young adults.