Search

Teen Talk Study

In 2024–2025, we listened to 40 siblings from across Australia share their experiences of family life and social connection. Most had a brother or sister with developmental disability, and others did not. Together, they offered open and thoughtful reflections on roles and responsibilities at home, friendships, fam

Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire: Variability of Scores and Related Factors

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder affecting predominantly females and associated with variants in the MECP2 gene. Recent success in clinical trials have resulted in an expanded use of the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) for clinical and research purposes.

International workshop: what is needed to ensure outcome measures for Rett syndrome are fit-for-purpose for clinical trials? June 7, 2023, Nashville, USA

The clinical, research and advocacy communities for Rett syndrome are striving to achieve clinical trial readiness, including having fit-for-purpose clinical outcome assessments. This study aimed to (1) describe psychometric properties of clinical outcome assessment for Rett syndrome and (2) identify what is needed to ensure that fit-for-purpose clinical outcome assessments are available for clinical trials.

Associations between genotype, phenotype and behaviours measured by the Rett syndrome behaviour questionnaire in Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with developmental impairments, comorbidities, and abnormal behaviours such as hand stereotypies and emotional features. The Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) was developed to describe the behavioural and emotional features of RTT.

Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is one of the most common chromosome abnormalities in humans. It occurs when a child's cells end up with 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Down syndrome causes intellectual disability and other physical and learning challenges.

Child Disability

Improving the lives of children with a disability and their families sits at the core of our team.

Professor Jenny Downs

Head, Child Disability

Dr Emma Glasson

Senior Research Fellow

Aspects of speech-language abilities are influenced by MECP2 mutation type in girls with Rett syndrome

This study explored relationships between speech and language abilities in girls with Rett syndrome and how they may be affected by the type of genetic mutation

Parental perspectives on the communication abilities of their daughters with Rett syndrome

We interviewed 17 parents with a daughter with Rett syndrome to gain their perspectives on how their daughter communicates and barriers.