Research at the Offord Centre for Child Studies is focused on early child development. We work to understand why some children grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted adults while others do not, and to find solutions that will help to prevent, or ameliorate, emotional and behavioural problems in children and youth that can result in a lifetime of suffering and disadvantage.

Much of our work centres around population-based surveys conducted over several decades. This longitudinal research allows us to identify those children who are at risk, and devise effective strategies and programs to improve their chances of success.

Antisocial behaviour and conduct disorder, early risk factors, autism, child and adolescent depression, child physical abuse and neglect, bullying, the health of First Nations and disadvantaged children, school-based prevention programs, school readiness to learn and community report cards are just some of the interests being pursued by our research faculty.

They have earned worldwide recognition for their work, building Canada’s reputation for excellence in health research and confirming the Centre’s status as an international leader in the scientific study of the important issues that have an impact on children’s mental health and development.

Click here for an overview of latest research grants awarded.