Podcast: ‘Changing Brains and Minds’ with Dr Iona Novak
Neuroplasticity is the secret ingredient for better brain power – and better outcomes for children with disability.
Professor Iona Novak, CPA’s Chair of Allied Health, co-founder of the CPA Research Institute and renowned journalist, author and broadcaster Tracey Spicer go deep into our grey (and white) matter to explore the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways and what that means for a child’s critical early years of neurological development. How can we rewire our brains by learning new skills? Why are some pathways a bit overgrown and others rather well-trodden? Can teenagers and adults harness neuroplasticity, and how is it relevant for people without disability?
Professor Iona Novak, CPA’s Chair of Allied Health, co-founder of the CPA Research Institute and a Fulbright Scholar. Her research aims to discover, test and translate new treatments that have the potential to make a real impact for people living with cerebral palsy. Learn more about Iona’s work at cerebralpalsy.org.au/our-research/
Author, journalist and broadcaster, Tracey Spicer is a passionate advocate for the causes that matter most. For her decades of work for social welfare and charitable groups (including as an ambassador of the Royal Hospital for Women’s newborn care unit), Tracey was awarded the Order of Australia in 2018. Learn more at traceyspicer.com.au