The Dictionary of Brain Building Words is a practical resource designed to help more people understand how children’s brains develop – and what we can all do to support that development.
The words included in this dictionary represent those that are commonly referred to when applying understanding of brain development into policy and practice with children, adolescents and their families. For each term, a definition has been selected based on alignment with the principles of neuro-informed policy and practice and through consultation with academics, practitioners and those with lived experiences in these spaces. There are, of course, many ways in which words are used and defined, and where possible we have indicated and linked to other definitions to consider and further information to guide understanding.
In addition to other sources, the dictionary specifically draws content from the Understanding Brain Development Modules developed by Emerging Minds in collaboration with the Queensland Kids Partnership and researchers at The University of Queensland.
The Dictionary also draws on a range of additional resources available through the Enabling Workforces Toolkit co-ordinated by the Queensland Kids Partnership in collaboration with Emerging Minds, Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation, The University of Queensland, Dovetail, and the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
How to Cite: Staton, S., Coles, L., et al (2025). The Dictionary of Brain Building Words. A common language for understanding brain development across systems. Version 1.0 (2025). The University of Queensland.
