Elspeth Heather Froude

Elspeth Heather Froude is a Researcher and National Head of School within the School of Allied Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her work focuses on advancing clinical practices in occupational therapy, neurorehabilitation, and pediatric disability care. Key research areas include robotic therapy for stroke survivors, cognitive strategies for neurological conditions, and interventions for children with developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Her research emphasizes evidence-based interventions and technology integration in healthcare, with notable contributions to understanding the effectiveness of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, therapeutic group models for acquired brain injury, and outdoor play accessibility for children with disabilities. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to address educational and clinical challenges in speech pathology, occupational therapy training, and vocational outcomes for autistic adults.

Publications highlight her expertise in systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and instrument development for assessing visual function in children with disabilities. Her work often bridges clinical practice and educational innovation, such as evaluating simulated clinical placements for occupational therapy students and consumer-led mental health teaching methods.

Recent trends in her articles emphasize translational research, emphasizing practical applications for improving patient outcomes, therapist training efficiency, and accessibility in healthcare settings. Collaborations span institutions across Australia, reflecting her national leadership role and commitment to advancing allied health sciences.