Functional Brain Age Measurement In Children And Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$700,433.00
Summary
An important aspect of medicine is measuring the function of the human body. It is often advantageous to convert complex functional measures into simpler, intuitive measures such as 'age'. We can compare functional age to chronological age to diagnose disease. In this project, we will build an estimate of 'brain age' in children and adolescents using recordings of the electrical activity of the brain. We will test this 'brain age' as a diagnostic tool in several neurological disorders.
Parent Education For The Treatment Of Severe Behaviour Problems In Children With Developmental Disabilities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,220.00
Summary
Approximately 40% of children with developmental disabilities have severe behaviour problems (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction, and extreme tantrums) (Einfeld and Tonge, 1996). The care of a child with such problems represents a significant burden to parents and society. One of the most promising treatments is functional communication training (FCT), which aims to reduce problem behaviours by improving the child's communication skills. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ef ....Approximately 40% of children with developmental disabilities have severe behaviour problems (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction, and extreme tantrums) (Einfeld and Tonge, 1996). The care of a child with such problems represents a significant burden to parents and society. One of the most promising treatments is functional communication training (FCT), which aims to reduce problem behaviours by improving the child's communication skills. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of FCT (Mirenda, 1997). Wacker et al. (1998) have shown that parents can be taught to use FCT, but these parents received individual consultations, which would seem to limit its practicality. Preliminary results from our current APEX grant suggest that parents can learn to implement this treatment in a group format, which is more practical from a public health perspective. However, it is currently unknown if group training is as effective as individual consultation. In the present application, we aim to compare these two ways of teaching parents how to use FCT. From a total sample of 36, the parents of 18 children will be randomly assigned to the group training format and 18 to the individual format. All parents will receive 12 hours of training on how to use FCT, either as part of a group of 3 families (mothers and-or fathers) in the clinic or on a one-to-one basis in the family home. Pre, post, and follow-up measures of problem behaviours will be used to address the research question: Is group training as effective as individual consultation? If so, we would have demonstrated a more practical way of teaching parents how to implement this evidence-based treatment for child behaviour problems.Read moreRead less
Novel Mechanism Underlying The Behavioural And Neurocognitive Deficits In Children With Sleep Disorders.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,296.00
Summary
About one third of Australian children have a sleep disorder. Behavioural or academic problems are common in these children, however the link between sleep and daytime problems is still not clear. New research suggests the pattern of brain activity during deep sleep may provide some answers. This study will explore the link between brain activity during deep sleep and daytime functioning in children with sleep disorders, providing valuable information for treatment.
Improving Outcomes For Children With Emotional And Behavioural Difficulties Through A School-based Intervention: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,662.00
Summary
Over 50% of adult mental illness begins during childhood. Our health system is under increasing strain to support such children, especially public services. Teachers are in an ideal position to detect emerging issues and organise intervention, but they need help. This project aims to explore the potential for a collaboration between health and education to identify children with emotional and behavioural difficulties sooner and more accurately, and put in place effective strategies of support.