PTAQ May Workshop: Neurodevelopment – Understanding Sensitive Periods and Environmental Impact

Our next PTAQ professional learning workshop will be held on Thursday 21 May at 4:00 pm, delivered online via Zoom presented by Dr Christa van Aswegen. Dr Christa van Aswegen is a lecturer at Griffith University, School of Education and Professional Studies. She convenes and teaches Positive Psychology and Educational Psychology for masters Students. Dr van Aswegen is also a registered psychologist and a developmental specialist. Her research interests in this space include conceptual model of interest development, identifying factors that impact student engagement in the early years. Her PhD research was in the field of educational neuroscience, where she developed, implemented, and evaluated an enrichment curriculum and educational resources for the early years.

 

This presentation examines how the brain develops from the earliest prenatal stages through the first years of life, highlighting the remarkable plasticity that defines early neurodevelopment. We will explore the science of sensitive periods, those windows of heightened responsiveness when specific neural systems are most shaped by experience and what this means for learning, behaviour, and long‑term wellbeing. The session also investigates how environmental factors such as deprivation, trauma, and toxic stress can disrupt developmental pathways, altering brain architecture and stress‑response systems. Finally, she will introduce the role of epigenetics in explaining how experiences can influence gene expression, contributing to both vulnerability and resilience. Together, these insights offer a comprehensive understanding of why early environments matter and how supportive, stable relationships can profoundly strengthen developmental outcomes.

Register now to secure your place

Cost: $100 for non‑members or complimentary for PTAQ student and teacher members (please ensure you are logged into your PTAQ account to access free member registration)

⏰ Registrations close: Monday 18 May 2026. Zoom link will be sent out the day before the workshop. For enquiries, please contact administrator@ptaq.org.au

⚠️ Disclaimer: The Psychology Teachers Association of Queensland (PTAQ) advises that workshops and events are not recorded. This decision reflects the confidential nature of discussions and the intellectual property rights of presenters. Recording is not permitted without explicit consent. Thank you for respecting the privacy and professional contributions of all participants.

Book Event

Form/ticket icon icon
General admission
$100 AUD
Form/up small icon icon Form/down small icon icon
Available Tickets: 100
The "General admission" ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Date

May 21 2026

Time

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Organizer

PTAQ
Email
administrator@ptaq.org.au
Website
https://ptaq.org.au/
REGISTER
QR Code