She is currently involved in research on intersubjectivity and social engagement, and on conceptual development within autism spectrum disorders, and has developed the Joint-Play Intersubjectivity Assessment Method (JPIAM), also known as ‘Playboxes’, which promotes and assesses active interpersonal engagement and communication, and which is being used in a number of school settings across Scotland and internationally. Helen is a member of international research groups investigating neurodevelopmental disorders and social communication, and is a regular invited addressee and keynote speaker at international conferences.