Search

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.
Research
A process and impact evaluation of use of a Powered Wheelchair Standing Device by boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophyGraham Jenny Peter Hall Downs Jacoby BAppSci PhD CRFS FANZSRS FThorSoc FERS BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD BA (Hons) MSc Honorary Research Associate Head,
Research
Establishing a national platform for the provision of evidence based practice in Prader-Willi syndromeHelen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763
Research
International Rett syndrome study: InterRettHelen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763
Research
Multi-site validation of a suite of clinical outcome measures for clinical trial readiness in the CDKL5 Deficiency DisorderHelen Jenny Peter Leonard Downs Jacoby MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD BA (Hons) MSc Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability
Research
The natural history of the MECP2 Duplication disorder: Australian surveillance and plans for development of an international registerHelen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763
Research
Investigating the impact of developmental coordination difficulties across home, school, and community settings: Findings from the Australian Impact for DCD surveyTo evaluate the participation difficulties experienced by children with developmental coordination disorder in home, school, and community environments.
Research
Movement difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: considering a transdiagnostic approach to classificationChildren 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.

Improving the lives of children with a disability and their families sits at the core of our team.
Research
Initial Validation and Reliability of the CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder Hand Function Scale (CDD-Hand)Pathogenic variants in the CDKL5 gene result in CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), which is characterized by early-onset epilepsy, severe developmental delay, and often, cortical visual impairment. Validated clinical outcome measures are needed for future clinical trials to be successful. This study aimed to adapt the Rett Syndrome Hand Function Scale for CDKL5 deficiency disorder and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, content validity, and reliability.