News

Neuroscience Lab Open

MEHRI's neuroscience lab is now fully operational. The state-of-the-art facility includes a fully integrated brain and behavior lab including dense-array EEG, video observation, eye-tracking and psychophysiology. The lab is directed by senior scientist Jim Stieben.

Milton & Ethel Harris Media Release - TORONTO, June 20, 2005

A major new research initiative at York University was formally announced today that will build on new knowledge of the brain’s development, and help set children – including those with developmental disorders – on the path towards emotional and intellectual health.

York’s Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative (MEHRI) is the first of its kind in Canada and uses the pioneering clinical technique of DIR (Individual Difference Relationship-Based Therapy), an intervention approach that mobilizes the emotions of children to promote healthy development.

MEHRI, launched at the childcare facility Mothercraft, will further investigate the findings recently put forth by York professor Stuart Shanker and renowned child psychologist Dr. Stanley Greenspan in their book, The First Idea. [more info]

Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative, York University - Background Information

York University’s Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative (MEHRI) is anticipated to become the premier international facility for the investigation of theory, research and clinical practices related to the development of the human mind and brain. This collaborative research initiative is the first of its kind in Canada and offers new hope to parents of children with developmental and learning disorders.

MEHRI will advance the study of childhood development to fully explore how to stimulate and mobilize children and help those with developmental problems return to a healthy developmental path. For the first time, the clinical technique DIR or Individual-Difference Relationship-Based Therapy will be rigorously tested. DIR is an interactive intervention approach designed to mobilize children’s emotions and work on different aspects of a child’s biological strengths and weaknesses. These techniques will be applied to programmes designed to help all children develop the tools and coping mechanisms required to succeed in today’s challenging social climate. [more info]