Research - Development, behaviour and mental health

An increasing number of children have developmental and behavioural problems that affect many aspects of their lives, causing distress for them and their families, and using up a significant proportion of community resources. Crying and irritability in infants, sleep and behaviour problems in toddlers and preschoolers, ADHD and behaviour problems in school-age children are the result of complex biological/environmental interactions, and often present assessment and management dilemmas. We need a better understanding of causal pathways, and in particular effective management strategies that can be employed in community settings.

Title	Year			Description
Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (Growing Up in Australia)	2002-2010			LSAC studies the impact of Australia's unique social and cultural environment on the next generation. The aim of the study is to add to the understanding of early childhood development, to inform social policy, and to identify opportunities for early intervention. www.aifs.gov.au/growingup/
Parent Education and Support (PEAS)	1997-2008			PEAS is a program designed for first time parents in the first two years of their child's life. Delivered by Maternal & Child Health Nurses, it aims to improve a range of parent and child outcomes (eg. crying/fussing, sleep, nutrition, language and maternal post natal depression and stress).
Infant Sleep Study	2003-2006			Cluster-controlled trial to determine whether treating infant sleep problems also improves maternal wellbeing.
Toddlers Without Tears	2001-Ongoing			A randomised trial of a universal parenting program, which aims to help prevent externalising behaviour problems such as oppositional defiance, hyperactivity and aggression in the preschool child, delivered by Maternal & Child Health Nurses.
Victorian survey of child health, development, wellbeing and service utilisation		2003-2004	Scoping and pilot study for a Victorian survey of child health, development, wellbeing and service utilisation.

Last Updated 12-Dec-2008. Authorised by: Frank Oberklaid. Enquiries: Penny Miller.