Genetic and Environmental Influences on Child and Adolescent Brain Development and Mental Health

Summary

How does a child's biology interact with their environment to shape the kind of adult they will become? Every human being is unique, but everyone you meet has some DNA in common with you and has experienced some of the same life events as you. By studying a large number of children from diverse backgrounds, we hope to understand how each of these factors independently impacts brain development. The ultimate goal of the study is to understand why certain people develop mental health issues and how kids can successfully overcome childhood adversity.

In this study, you and your child will answer some questions about your behaviours, personality and life events. Next, children will play a few games on an iPad designed to assess their brain function. Finally, kids will be asked to "spit in a tube" so we can analyze their DNA. This visit will take will take no more than 2 hours. You and your child will each be compensated 25 dollars to thank you for your time (young children will be given an age-appropriate toy).

If your family decides to come back for a second visit, we will do an MRI scan to take a picture of your child's brain. This visit will take 90 minutes and you and your child will receive an additional 25 dollars each (young children will be given a second age-appropriate toy).

**Due to COVID-19, recruitment for this study is currently on-hold. We are working on a way to relaunch this study remotely. If you would like to be informed when we resume recruiting, please click the "I'm interested in participating button" to leave your contact information. Thank you for your interest! ** - Updated January 27, 2021