Helen Spicer-Cain

Dr. Helen Spicer-Cain is a Senior Lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy at the School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London. She also works part-time as an independent speech and language therapist with specialization in preschool and early school-age autistic children.

• PhD in Language and Communication Development (2019)
• MA in Academic Practice (2018)
• MSc in Neuroscience, Language and Communication (2009)
• BSc in Speech Sciences (2008)

Research Focus:

• Language and communication development in children with familial risk of SLCN
• Dynamic assessment methodologies for infants
• Autism and narrative discourse abilities
• Neurodiversity training initiatives
• Supporting neurodivergent doctoral students
• Widening participation in health sciences education

Recent Activities:

• Grant-funded follow-up study (Heather van der Lely Foundation) on longitudinal language skills
• Programme Director for Introduction to Health Sciences foundation programme (2021-2024)
• Senior Tutor for Research in Centre for Language and Communication Sciences Research

Key Contributions:

• Developing novel narrative coherence assessment framework (6Cs)
• Investigating storytelling in autistic adolescents using video-based tasks
• Advancing inclusive education practices through EDI committee work