Sculpting the brain: Youth development and mental health

Did you know our immune system directly impacts how our brains develop? 

The immune system helps to sculpt the formation of neural circuits. When this process goes wrong, brain development is altered, resulting in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism. At least one in 10 young people will experience these developmental delays or a neurodevelopmental disorder.  

Hear from Dr Shrujna Patel who’ll help us understand the role of the immune system in brain development and how this can help us discover new ways to diagnose and treat brain disorders. Dr Kelsie Boulton will take us through new approaches emerging from research and clinical services to support and improve treatment for young people and families with neurodevelopmental and mental health needs. 

Join us in-person at Darling Square Library or online via Zoom.

Alongside the talk, you’ll have the opportunity to craft textile neurons using recycled materials, with guidance from Neural Knitworks. Knitting and crochet patterns are provided, and there's also a no-knit option. Please remember to bring your own needles if you want to knit! Doors open for knitting 30 minutes before the talk and close 30 minutes after the talk. 

Dr Shrujna Patel is a Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Her research focuses on understanding how environmental influences affect brain development, leading to neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders such as autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with an aim to discover new approaches for diagnosis and treatment. 

Dr Kelsie Boulton is a Research Fellow in the Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research, and Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team at the Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney. Her research develops evidence-based systems to improve the lives of children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families.