We all perceive the sensory world around us differently. Our research is dedicated to deepening our understanding of sensory reactivity. Sensory reactivity symptoms include hyperreactivity (stronger response to sensory stimuli such as sounds), hyporeactivity (slower or less of a response) and sensory seeking (an unusual sensory interests). The Sensational lab is investigating individual differences and underlying mechanisms of sensory reactivity and the impact on daily life.
Current and past members
Group Leader
Dr Teresa Tavassoli
Teresa Tavassoli completed her psychology training in Germany at the University of Constance before conducting her PhD at the University of Cambridge in the UK under the tutelage of Prof. Baron-Cohen. Following she worked as a postdoctoral fellow and instructor at the Seaver Autism Center in New York, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She then returned to the UK to work as a postdoc at the University College London (UCL). Since 2017 Dr Tavassoli is working at the University of Reading, first as a Lecturer and since 2019 as an Associate Professor. Her research is dedicated to deepening our understanding of sensory reactivity in autism and its variation across the population. Her work is using a multidisciplinary approach to identify reliable ways to measure sensory reactivity as well as to elucidate underlying mechanisms, and examine links to mental health symptoms.
Doctoral Researchers (now and then)
Alex Cameron
Alex is a PhD researcher investigating the effects of high-dose vitamin B6 on the neural excitation-inhibition balance. He runs several research projects that focus on the sensory effects that high-dose vitamin B6 may have. One of which looks at how pain responses and sensory thresholds may be altered by vitamin B6. Another project of his investigates how vitamin B6 may reduce anxiety and sensory hypersensitivity in autistic individuals. He also investigate how physiological examinations may be completed in a more comfortable way for autistic individuals, specifically around making blood sampling easier.
Lara Maher
Lara’s research is focussing on how autistic and non-autistic individuals experience sensory stimuli. The focus of her first study is on visual discomfort. She will be investigating whether the visual parameters that individuals find uncomfortable is the same across autistic and non-autistic individuals, or whether experiences differ.
Timothy Rossow
Tim was a PhD researcher exploring sensory reactivity and mental health in autism. He is also an HCPC registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist with a background in child and adolescent mental health and neurodevelopment. Tim hopes to use the results of his research both in his clinical practice and as a foundation for further research into mental health interventions in autism. Since completing his PhD in 2022 Tim has worked as a clinical psychologist.
Keren MacLennan
Hannah Marcham
Hannah was a PhD researcher exploring the learning experiences of autistic children in special needs schools through a better understanding of the indoor environment. Hannah is enthusiastic about understanding how we might adapt special needs classrooms to better support the learning of autistic children to reach their full learning potential.
Research Assistants (now and then)
Rhea Varghese
Zelal Gulbahce
Giovanna Lunardi Peloia
Giovanna is a psychology undergraduate student at the University of Reading with considerable experience supporting autistic children. Currently undergoing a yearlong placement as a research assistant for Dr Teresa Tavassoli, she is committed to advancing her understanding of sensory reactivity differences in autistic children. This placement opportunity will equip her with expertise knowledge and practical experience, driving her journey to becoming an Autism Practitioner.
Charlotte Sugier-Sohel
Charlotte is a psychology undergraduate student at the University of Reading with a strong interest in learning about sensory reactivity differences. Eager to join the field of research, she is currently developing her skills through a yearlong placement as a research assistant under Dr Teresa Tavassoli.
Sophie Jesson 
Sophie was an undergraduate at The University of Reading completing her placement year as Dr Teresa Tavassoli’s research assistant for her degree, BSc Psychology with Professional Placement. Sophie is particularly interested in working with children with autism and is enthusiastic about pursuing this line of work when she graduates.