Research Hero of the Month – August 2026

This month’s Research Hero is Dr Dan Romeu, NIHR Doctoral Fellow & Honorary Child Psychiatrist in Training. Dan played a pivotal role in the success of a pilot study led by Dr Conor Davidson in the Leeds Autism Diagnostic Service.

This study explored the acceptability of the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS) for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This assessment tool is commonly used in mental health services to identify whether somebody might have early signs of psychosis. The aim of this study was to find out whether the tool works well for people with autism, or whether adjustments might need to be made to improve it.

 

As a Higher Trainee, Dan spent a year in the LADS service as part of his special interest sessions. He took the lead on getting the study through ethical approval, secured research funding and supported Conor in ensuring it remained on track. The study was also supported by the wider LADS team and a peer researcher.

 

Despite starting an NIHR Fellowship during the study, Dan remained focussed and committed to the project and recently presented a poster at a Leeds-wide conference. He is the lead author on the study paper which is currently awaiting peer review and will be presenting the study findings at the LYPFT R&D Forum in October 2026.

 

Thanks Dan for your hard work and enthusiasm!

 

Dan’s said:

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be part of this project. One of the most rewarding aspects has been co-analysing the data with our lived experience co-researcher, James McGrath, whose insights made our findings far richer than they would have been otherwise. I am incredibly grateful to the LADS team and LYPFT R&D for their help and support throughout the study, and for helping us reach the dissemination stage. A special thank you to Conor Davidson, Sinéad Audsley and James McGrath — this project would not have been possible without their dedication and expertise!

 

Page last updated: 3rd Aug 2026 1:08pm