Our Mission
The SPARK Lab is a psychology lab that researches youth externalizing behaviours, including ADHD, disruptive behaviours, and callous-unemotional traits. Youths exhibiting these behaviours are often overlooked or dismissed, leaving them without the care they need. The impact of externalizing behaviours is profound, affecting not only youths themselves but also their families and society as a whole. Through collaborative research, we aim to deepen our understanding of how to effectively treat these behaviours and ensure the successful implementation of treatments in both clinical and community settings. Our ultimate goal is to empower youths to reach their full potential, while alleviating the burden on families and society. We are also committed to sharing our findings with diverse audiences and ensuring that our work is accessible to all who may benefit from it.
Why Do Disruptive Behaviors Develop?
We examine developmental mechanisms as well as risk and protective factors that contribute to the development of disruptive behaviors.
How Do We Get Interventions to Youths?
We examine and evaluate implementation strategies to successfully and sustainably implement effective interventions into routine child-serving systems.
How Do We Effectively Intervene?
We develop, evaluate, and optimize interventions to decrease disruptive behaviors. Part of this work involves tailoring interventions for youths who do not respond well to standard interventions.
Who Are We Missing or Not Serving?
We identify inequities in mental health care access and utilization for diverse youths, informing efforts to address barriers and reduce inequities.
Our Values
Open Communication
Integrity
Collaboration
