Wolfson JRF publishes research into links between Developmental Language Disorders and Peer Victimisation in Young People

Wolfson JRF Dr Sînziana-Ioana Oncioiu‘s work centres on understanding how the social worlds of children and adolescents, especially their peer relationships, influence their mental health and are shaped by early childhood experiences. 

In her latest research, she has been seeking to determine whether there is a link between Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) and peer victimisation.

‘The best way to determine whether there is a link between Developmental Language Disorders (DLD) and peer victimisation would be to examine one person living in two parallel universes. In one universe they would have DLD and in the other they would not. If they were bullied in one universe and not the other, we might reasonably be able to conclude that DLD was the cause. Of course, this is impossible! So, the next best thing? Identical twins.’

Through TEDS, one of the world’s leading twin studies, Sînziana has been able to investigate this fascinating topic, summarised brilliantly in this Oxford Sparks video.

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