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Helen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763
Helen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763
Helen Leonard MBChB MPH Principal Research Fellow +61 419 956 946 helen.leonard@thekids.org.au Principal Research Fellow Areas of research expertise
Helen Jenny Peter Leonard Downs Jacoby MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD BA (Hons) MSc Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is an ultrarare genetic condition causing developmental epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures and motor and intellectual disabilities. No disease-modifying therapies are available, and treatments focus mainly on symptom management to improve quality of life.
Shared decision-making between patients and primary healthcare professionals positively impacts health outcomes. However, people with intellectual disability face additional barriers and require supported shared decision-making (SSDM) to participate. Little is known about how healthcare professionals use SSDM with this population. This paper explores the facilitators and barriers experienced, and strategies/resources employed by healthcare professionals working with people with intellectual disability.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be removed at high rates from their families by child protection services, placing them at elevated risk of adverse long-term life outcomes. Cultural connection in out-of-home care is essential for mitigating the impacts of trauma from removal, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that cultural planning is rigorously undertaken. This article explores the provision of cultural plans in an era where out-of-home care services are outsourced by government, but where government holds onto the responsibility for developing cultural plans for children in care.
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often experience difficulties in acquiring and executing movement skills. Although the motor profiles of neurodivergent children frequently overlap, rigid conceptual distinctions between diagnostic labels have been imposed by traditional categorical approaches to taxonomy. An alternative transdiagnostic approach is proposed to better represent the similarities between presentations.
Children with cerebral palsy face challenges in maintaining oral hygiene; data on their oral health practices and outcomes are limited.
CDKL5 deficiency disorder is a rare and severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy that has profound effects on communication. It is essential that communication be measured accurately for upcoming gene therapy trials. The Communication Inventory Disability-Observer Reported was developed from a framework of communication derived from parent/caregiver interview data in consultation with disability and communication experts, and after reviewing concepts in existing measures.