Yingying Wu

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Trajectories of Neurodevelopmental Traits: Childhood Predictors and Adolescent and Adult Outcomes

Across childhood and adolescence, traits of neurodevelopmental conditions (such as Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and  autism) follow heterogeneous trajectories with important implications for later functioning and well-being outcomes. Early-life factors, such as regulation ability and family relationships, may increase vulnerability, whereas others may provide support or protection.

However, less is known about which individual and social-environmental factors predispose children to different developmental  trajectories of neurodevelopmental traits, and how functional and mental health outcomes differ in individuals showing different trajectories. Moreover, among individuals with high neurodevelopmental traits, some may maintain good functioning and wellbeing, but the factors associated with these positive outcomes remain poorly understood.

This PhD project will focus on the developmental trajectory of ADHD and broader neurodevelopmental traits, identifying the vulnerable and protective factors that are associated with different developmental trajectories. The study will also investigate how outcomes in late adolescence and early adulthood vary based on these developmental trajectories, and how positive outcomes may arise despite the presence of elevated neurodevelopmental traits.

Research