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CHDD Research Domain:
Developmental Processes and Behavioral Science

Research Affiliates from the group on Developmental Processes and Behavioral Science focus on the developmental science of risk and disability as well as on translating those findings and related information into intervention studies. Specifically, investigators work to chart the developmental trajectory for various developmental domains of specific risk and disability groups as well as examine the influences that risk and disability have on a variety of ecological factors governing development, such as parent-child interactions, day care placement decisions, family stress, and social networks.

Groups of primary interest include children at risk for disabilities due to prematurity/low birthweight and environmental factors, as well as children with established disabilities such as autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, hearing impairment, fetal alcohol syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and specific language impairment. Developmental domains of central interest include cognition, language, and social development.

Many investigators in this group work as part of a larger interdisciplinary effort examining genetic and neurobiological underpinnings as well as behavioral features of specific disorders. Structural and functional assessments of brain development for a number of developmental disorders also assist in understanding the organization of developmental processes with important implications for intervention. Full characterization of behavioral phenotypes is at the core of the work of many investigators focusing on Developmental Processes and Behavioral Science. In addition, intervention research, especially prospective longitudinal designs, enables investigators to link developmental science and intervention science more effectively and to maximize developmental outcomes for children and families.

Investigators: