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CHILD Youth: Get involved!

All youth in the Study are encouraged to join the CHILD Youth Advisory Council.

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About Our Research

At CCAN, the Child Functioning Studies explore how children grow, learn, and adapt across diverse contexts. By combining neuroscience, psychology, education, and digital innovation, we create tools and interventions that support learning, wellbeing, and inclusion.

Neuroscience Foundation

Grounded in neuroscience and psychology, examining critical areas such as attention, memory, executive functions, socio-emotional processing, and language development.

Advanced Tools

Integrating EEG/ERP, eye-tracking, neuropsychological assessments, and digital interventions with culturally sensitive approaches tailored to African contexts.

Neurodivergent Focus

Understanding experiences of neurodivergent children—such as those with ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties—and environmental impacts on development.

African Context

Evidence-based policies and practices supporting children's cognitive and socio-emotional potential in diverse and low-resource settings across Africa.

7
Research Themes
1000+
Children Studied
50+
Research Publications
15+
Countries Involved

Main Research Areas

The Child Functioning Studies at CCAN explore how children grow, learn, and adapt across cognitive, emotional, and social domains through longitudinal and cross-cultural research.

Child Development

Examining cognitive, emotional, and social development across diverse contexts, focusing on how children adapt and thrive in different environments.

Family Impact

Investigating the impact of family, school, and community environments on children's development and learning outcomes.

Digital Innovation

Exploring the roles of digital exposure, technology integration, and innovative interventions in shaping child outcomes.

Seven Research Themes

Child Functioning Studies are organized under seven comprehensive themes that address different aspects of child development and wellbeing.

Parental Functioning

Examining how parenting practices, caregiver wellbeing, and family dynamics influence children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. Focus on parental mental health, stress, resilience, and protective factors like sensitivity and positive parenting.

Early Childhood Development

Examining physical development, cognitive development, language and communication development, and social-emotional development. These areas form the foundation for lifelong growth, resilience, and success.

Cognitive Development & Learning

Examining core mental abilities including working memory, executive functions, attention, and processing speed. These skills form the foundation for academic progression and everyday functioning.

Language, Reading & Numeracy

Following language development from listening and speaking to vocabulary growth and comprehension. Investigating reading skill acquisition and numeracy development from basic recognition to complex problem-solving.

Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Understanding and supporting children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental conditions through evidence-based interventions.

Resilience & Risk Factors

Investigating both risk and resilience factors through longitudinal research, identifying protective elements that support healthy development in challenging environments.

Inclusive Interventions

Co-creating inclusive interventions that strengthen learning, wellbeing, and emotional safety. Working with families, schools, and communities to turn research into real-world solutions for healthier childhoods and brighter futures.

Join Our Research Community

Be part of groundbreaking research that transforms children's lives across Africa. Together, we can create evidence-based solutions for better child outcomes.

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