Cerebral plasticity or early vulnerability? Identifying critical periods for childhood development and recovery. The primary aim of the study is to identify critical time periods during brain development when an insult will have more deleterious consequences for recovery and outcome. The study will also examine the impact of other potential influences to recovery following early brain disease, and determine whether their impact varies across development. Finally, the study will investigate wh ....Cerebral plasticity or early vulnerability? Identifying critical periods for childhood development and recovery. The primary aim of the study is to identify critical time periods during brain development when an insult will have more deleterious consequences for recovery and outcome. The study will also examine the impact of other potential influences to recovery following early brain disease, and determine whether their impact varies across development. Finally, the study will investigate whether specific cognitive and behavioural domains are differentially effected, depending on their maturity at the time of brain insult. Findings from this study will inform the development of conceptual models of early brain insult and recovery of function, and contribute to clinical practice.Read moreRead less
Improving the identification of juvenile firesetters at high risk of recidivism. Young firesetters are not only responsible for some fifth of all fires, they also are at risk of becoming adult arsonists. Australian fire services provide educational programs for young firesetters but about a third may continue to light fires. This project will allow clarification of variables most associated with ongoing firesetting behaviour (recidivism), better prediction of high risk juveniles, understanding ....Improving the identification of juvenile firesetters at high risk of recidivism. Young firesetters are not only responsible for some fifth of all fires, they also are at risk of becoming adult arsonists. Australian fire services provide educational programs for young firesetters but about a third may continue to light fires. This project will allow clarification of variables most associated with ongoing firesetting behaviour (recidivism), better prediction of high risk juveniles, understanding of the predictive value of a screening tool, valid assessment of recidivism rates and an increased understanding of mental health agency involvement with firesetter families. These outcomes will help improve programs involving juvenile firesetters, thereby reducing arson and the high cost of uncontrolled fire.Read moreRead less