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Research
Challenges in Accurately Assessing Prenatal Alcohol Exposure in a Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in a Youth Detention CenterAccurately assessing prenatal alcohol consumption is exceptionally challenging when assessed retrospectively as part of a FASD assessment for a young person sentenced to detention
Research
Evidence that infant and early childhood developmental impairments are associated with hallucinatory experiences: Results from a large, population-based cohort studyCognitive and motor dysfunction are hallmark features of the psychosis continuum, and have been detected during late childhood and adolescence in youth who report psychotic experiences (PE). However, previous investigations have not explored infancy and early childhood development.
Research
Associations of maternal and paternal mental health problems with offspring anxiety at age 20 years: Findings from a population-based prospective cohort studyEpidemiological studies indicate that children of parents with mental health problems are at an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders. Few studies have investigated this relationship in young adults. Participants were from the Raine Study, which is a multi-generational birth cohort study in Australia. Maternal anxiety and depression in late childhood were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), and paternal lifetime mental health problems were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire.
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The Role of the Avatar in Gaming for Trans and Gender Diverse Young PeopleA significant proportion of trans and gender diverse (TGD) young people report membership of the gaming community and resultant benefits to wellbeing. To date their experiences and needs regarding a key feature of games, the avatar, are largely unexplored, despite increasing interest in the therapeutic role of avatars in the general population. The aim of this study was to better understand the role of the avatar in gaming, its impact on TGD young people's mental health, and their unique needs regarding avatar design.
Research
Affirming schools, population-level data, and holistic public health are key to addressing mental ill-health and substance use disparities among gender and sexuality diverse young peopleYael Perry BPsych (Hons) MPsych (Clin) PhD Head, Youth Mental Health 08 6319 1298 yael.perry@thekids.org.au Head, Youth Mental Health @yaelperry she/
Research
Parent Pathways: Understanding the mental health and wellbeing of parents of trans children and young people.Yael Penelope Helen Perry Strauss Morgan BPsych (Hons) MPsych (Clin) PhD BA, MPH, PhD BA (Hons), Doctor of Psychology Head, Youth Mental Health
Research
Transforming FamiliesWe want to better understand the relationship between parents/carers and their children who identify as trans or gender diverse with the aim of improving the well-being of the whole family.


News & Events
Premier’s Science Awards finalists recognised for work in physical activity, cancer and mental healthFour The Kids Research Institute Australia researchers from a diverse range of fields have been named as finalists for the prestigious 2022 Premier’s Science Awards.

News & Events
Lancet paper finds hormone therapy for trans young people can improve mental health - but authors say more research is desperately neededA Lancet-published review of the evidence around the use of gender-affirming hormones and surgery in trans children and adolescents has found such interventions can lead to a marked improvement in mental health outcomes and quality of life.