Child development

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The Waterloo Foundation is keen to support research designed to give us a better understanding of the psychological and behavioural development of our children.  The Foundation is particularly interested in research into childhood neuro-developmental conditions and the factors that influence them.  Following on from this, it is also interested in how these conditions progress as a child moves through puberty and on into adulthood, and in any links into adult mental illnesses.

FUNDING PRIORITIES

The neuro-developmental conditions into which the Waterloo Foundation is primarily interested in funding research are:

• Autistic spectrum disorders including Aspergers Syndrome
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Certain childhood epilepsies (especially BECCTS)
• ADHD

The Foundation is also interested in research into the interaction of environmental and genetic factors in producing these conditions, particularly the areas of nutrition and diet.

POSSIBLE FUNDING

Occasionally, the Foundation may look at supporting wide-reaching initiatives typically from organisations active in these areas, aimed at:

• Improving the understanding of key professionals who deal with children who have these conditions e.g teachers, health professionals.
• Disseminating information to individuals/carers/professionals.

The Foundation is also interested in research into some aspects of adult mental health.  Whilst it is unlikely to be able to fund research at a large scale in this area, it may be able to fund the occasional pilot project into major conditions such as OCD, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

THE WATERLOO FOUNDATION WILL NOT FUND

Wider medical research into mental or physical conditions either of children or adults.

The Foundation cannot at this stage fund specific individuals, either children or adults who have neuro-developmental problems and who are seeking financial help to cover medical bills, special equipment or other one–off expenses such as holidays