Improving School Transition By Improving Child Sleep: A Translational Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,827.00
Summary
A successful transition to school sets a child on a path for life. A poor transition can lead to early drop out, poor peer relationships and poor emotional skills. In 2008/09, we found that a brief sleep intervention for children improved key determinants of a successful transition including social-emotional functioning and parent mental health. We now plan to see if the same intervention, delivered by school nurses, can have a similar effect.
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.
Increasing Physical Activity Among Young Children From Disadvantaged Communities: A Group Randomised Controlled Effectiveness Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,107,309.00
Summary
This project will evaluate the impact of a multi-level, multi-setting program to promote physical activity and movement skills among pre-school-aged children in disadvantaged communities. It will target the professional development of childcare educators and of parents. Childcare centres will be linked to the Early Start Facility at the University of Wollongong using state-of-the-art technology providing a unique opportunity to work with educators and parents in regional and remote areas.
Preventing Early Internalising Problems In The Preschool Setting: Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$893,870.00
Summary
Internalising mental health problems reflect inner emotional distress and encompass all symptoms of anxiety and depression. Affecting 1 in 7 Australian school-age children, many internalising problems persist into adulthood, impacting on personal wellbeing, family relations and workforce capabilities. This randomised prevention trial in the preschool-setting, screens for children at-risk and tests if a parenting program can reduce internalising problems across the population by school-entry.