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A systematic review of the biological, social, and environmental determinants of intellectual disability in children and adolescents

This systematic review aimed to identify the most important social, environmental, biological, and/or genetic risk factors for intellectual disability.

Professor Helen Leonard

Principal Research Fellow

Daniel Ta

PhD Candidate

Project helps Ethan belong

Ethan recently took part in Belong, a study led by The Kids which aims to ensure deaf and hard of hearing kids have a happy & positive school experience

Children with disabilities 3 times more likely to be maltreated but risk varies by disability type

A new study has found children with disabilities are 3 times more likely to be maltreated compared to other children but that risk varies by type of disability.

Video: One brave little girl's battle with Rett syndrome

Imagine your baby is developing normally, then suddenly she starts losing skills. Watch Marlee's story below and find out what researchers are doing.

Parent-reported outcome measures evaluating communication in individuals with rare neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review

Communication impairments are a leading concern for parent caregivers of individuals with rare neurodevelopmental disorders. Clinical trials of disease modifying therapies require valid and responsive outcome measures that are relevant to individuals with RNDDs. Identifying and evaluating current psychometric properties for communication measures is a critical step towards the selection and use of appropriate instruments. 

Risk of otitis media in offspring following maternal prenatal stress exposure

There is limited but consistent evidence that suggests prenatal factors, including maternal stress, may contribute to susceptibility for otitis media. We aimed to determine the effect of multiple life stress events during pregnancy on risk of acute and recurrent otitis media in offspring at three and five years of age. 

qPCR assay optimisation for a clinical study comparing oral health risk in Rett syndrome

This study aimed to validate qPCR assays for specific microbiota, for use on dental plaque samples stored on Whatman FTA cards to compare relative oral health risk in Rett syndrome.

Pandemic preparedness needs for children with rare diseases and their families: A perspective of COVID-19 experiences

People living with rare diseases had a high risk of negative health outcomes due to COVID-19. Pandemic preparedness will ensure best practice procedures and optimal outcomes during future pandemic events. This paper sought to understand the needs of children with rare diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform preparation for future pandemic and disaster events. First, impacts and outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with rare disease were identified in the literature.