Tailoring A Brief Sleep Intervention For Autism: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,475.00
Summary
Up to 86% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience behavioural sleep problems which have been shown to be associated with increased core ASD symptoms, increased rates of internalizing and externalizing disorders, and increased parental stress. The “Sleeping Sound” study is a novel behavioural sleep intervention that has shown much promise as a treatment to reduce sleep problems and improve mental health outcomes in children with ASD.
Use Of Analgesics To Reduce Agitation And Agression In Older Persons With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,556.00
Summary
Understanding the causes of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) provides a potentially remedial target for interventions. The current study will undertake the first ever trial of analgesics to reduce the frequency of agitation/aggression and other BPSD. By completion we will have new insights into the relationship between pain and various sub-types of BPSD and robust evidence on the best class of analgesics to treat BPSD
Characterization Of A Novel Epigenetic Boundary And Long Range Epigenetic Modifications Specific To FMR1 Expansion Carriers With Behavioural And Cognitive Disorders - Implications For Earlier Diagnosis And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$670,836.00
Summary
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism and is caused by a faulty switch in the gene FMR1. We have discovered new DNA regions important in FXS. The project aims to explain how these new regions regulate the FMR1 gene. This is essential for the discovery and validation of new avenues for earlier diagnosis, treatments and therapies for children and adults with FMR1 disorders and also for informing reproductive decisions.
Neural Control Of Behavioural State And Cognition - Role Of Nucleus Incertus And Relaxin-3
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,771.00
Summary
Dementia and mental illness are significant social and economic burdens worldwide and knowledge of underlying causes and more effective therapies are required. Our research is using preclinical models to characterize a little studied neural network in the control of arousal states, rhythmic brain activity, and learning and memory. Our findings could advance the development of improved treatments for cognitive deficits in degenerative, age-related and psychiatric disorders.
Preventing Early Academic Problems By Improving Working Memory: Translational Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$831,085.00
Summary
Learning difficulties are common and can cause school failure and poor self-esteem. They are associated with specific problems with temporarily remembering and using information (‘working memory’). Research suggests that improving working memory might improve academic achievement. We will study this intervention in a large group of primary school children who have poor working memory. If successful, the intervention will provide a way to improve the learning skills of these high-risk children.