Many genetic markers associated with neurodevelopmental disorders are found in the general population; we are interested in studying how they might affect cognitive traits in the normal range of variation. We investigate this question by conducting genetic association studies in large population-based cohorts (such as ALSPAC) characterised with a wide range of cognitive and behavioural traits. This approach allows us to study the genetic of cognitive traits, such as reading and language abilities, regardless of a clinical diagnosis. Read here a recent review describing the use of epidemiological samples to study the genetics of cognitive traits. We conduct our research in close collaboration with expert neuropsychologists including Prof Dorothy Bishop in Oxford.