About Cognitive Development Lab

picture of CDL members after successfully escaping an escape room

Who are we and what do we do?

We are researchers within the Department of Psychology at the University of Waterloo (UW). Our lab is affiliated with UW’s Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment (CMHRT).

Being able to interact and communicate effectively with others is essential to forming and maintaining relationships. This skill is an important aspect of development with the quality of youths’ interactions playing an important role in their well-being. We examine how children, adolescents, and adults successfully navigate interactions with others. Our work has relevance for identifying who may be at risk for communicative challenges and what may be the best ways to support youth in their socio-communicative development.

For information on individual research areas, please see the researcher profiles page.