Search
Research
The Lived Experience of Parents’ Receiving the Diagnosis of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder for Their ChildCDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, is being diagnosed earlier with improved access to genetic testing, but this may also have unanticipated impacts on parents’ experience receiving the diagnosis. This study explores the lived experience of parents receiving a diagnosis of CDD for their child using mixed methods.
Research
Factors influencing the attainment of major motor milestones in CDKL5 deficiency disorderThis study investigated the influence of factors at birth and in infancy on the likelihood of achieving major motor milestones in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD). Data on 350 individuals with a pathogenic CDKL5 variant was sourced from the International CDKL5 Disorder Database.
Research
Efficacy of Health Literacy Interventions for Caregivers of Individuals with Neurodevelopmental and Chronic Conditions: A Rapid ReviewCaregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental and chronic health conditions require health literacy (HL) skills for the long-term management of these conditions. The aim of this rapid review was to investigate the efficacy of HL interventions for these caregivers.
Research
Eating and drinking abilities and respiratory and oral health in children and young adults with cerebral palsyTo investigate the potential risk factors of respiratory illness (ethnicity, oral health, and eating and drinking ability) in children and young adults with cerebral palsy.
Research
Australian Clinicians’ Considerations When Choosing an Assessment of Functioning Tool for Children with Neurodevelopmental ConditionsIn the Australian disability context, the assessment of children with neurodevelopmental conditions’ functioning (across all domains) is of increasing importance, particularly since the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Currently, there is wide variability across assessment of functioning practices, including the choice and use of published tools for assessment.

News & Events
Churchill Fellow will seek ways to better support young people with neurodisabilityThe Kids Research Institute Australia researcher Hayley Passmore will use a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to investigate better ways to support young people in detention who are affected by neurodisability.
Research
Septo-optic dysplasia and gastroschisis: trends in birth prevalence and association with maternal ageThis study aims to describe the risk factors and trends in birth prevalence of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and gastroschisis between 1980 and 2023. This descriptive, population-based study of SOD and gastroschisis used Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies data from 1980 to 2023. Birth prevalence was calculated using Midwives Notification System data for all births after 20 weeks gestation.
Research
Using Focussed Ethnography to Observe and Understand the Actions and Interactions of People With Prader-Willi Syndrome When They Exercise at a Community Gym: A ProtocolExercise for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is important for their health and wellbeing and can provide opportunities for community participation. However, they may find it difficult to participate in some contexts, such as community gyms because social and environmental barriers in these settings may compound difficulties caused by physical impairments or intellectual disability.
Research
The Feasibility of Personalized Endpoints in Assessing Treatment Outcomes for Rare Diseases: A Pilot Study of Goal Attainment Scaling in SCN2A-AssociatedFor individuals living with rare neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those who are at the most severe end of the spectrum, standardized outcome measures may lack the sensitivity to capture small but meaningful changes.
Research
Caregiver Perspective of Benefits and Side Effects of Anti-Seizure Medications in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder from an International DatabaseCDKL5 deficiency disorder presents as a challenging condition with early-onset refractory seizures, severe developmental delays, and a range of other neurological symptoms. Our study aimed to explore the benefits and side effects of anti-seizure medications in managing seizures among individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder, drawing on data from the International CDKL5 Disorder Database.