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Long-term outcomes of symptomatic optic pathway glioma: 32-year experience at a single Western Australian tertiary pediatric oncology center

Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are associated with significant risk of visual and endocrine morbidity, but data on long-term outcomes in symptomatic patients is sparse. This study reviews the clinical course, disease progression, survival outcomes and long-term sequelae in pediatric patients with symptomatic OPGs in our institution over three decades.

Is sleep captured during a standard daytime EEG sufficient to diagnose Electrical Status Epilepticus in Sleep

Electrical Status epilepticus of sleep (SES) is an EEG pattern where there is significant activation of epileptiform activity in NREM sleep. A spike wave index (SWI) of > 80-85% is often labelled as typical SES. We aimed to explore if sleep during a standard daytime-EEG, as compared an overnight-EEG, was adequate to diagnose ESES.

Validating the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales–Developmental Profile Infant–Toddler Checklist (CSBS–DP ITC) Beyond Infancy in the CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) results in early-onset epilepsy and lifelong cognitive and motor impairments. With no validated measure for communication in CDD, this study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant Toddler Checklist.

Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire in Children and Adults With Rett Syndrome: Psychometric Characterization and Revised Factor Structure

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder associated with multiple neurobehavioral abnormalities. The Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (RSBQ) was developed for pediatric RTT observational studies. Because its application has expanded to adult and interventional studies, we evaluated the RSBQ's psychometric properties in six pediatric (n = 323) and five adult (n = 309) datasets.

The neglect of a child with intellectual disability as reported in Australian news media: A Foucauldian discourse analysis

People with intellectual disability experience a high risk of being neglected and family members are often identified as the perpetrators. Analysing the media provides insight into public narratives about social problems. A search of Australian newspapers published between 2016 and 2021 identified 27 articles that predominately reported on a single case of familial neglect of an individual with intellectual disability.

Factors influencing participation in home, school, and community settings by children and adolescents with neuromuscular disorders: A qualitative descriptive study

This study explored how children and adolescents with a neuromuscular disorder (NMD) and their parents experienced barriers and enablers to the child's participation.

The natural history of the MECP2 Duplication disorder: Australian surveillance and plans for development of an international register

Helen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763

The Sibling Project

The Sibling Project focuses on children, adolescents and emerging adults who have a sibling with a disability, investigating their mental health, relationships and quality of life.

2025 International Siblings Day

National Siblings Day is a holiday dedicated to celebrating the bond between siblings. It is a time to recognize the importance of siblings, whether they are brothers, sisters, step-siblings, or even those who feel like family.

Publications

The list of The Siblings Project publications