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Longitudinal trajectory of gross motor skills in school-aged children with Rett syndrome

In children with Rett syndrome, this study aimed to (1) describe gross motor skill trajectories; and (2) analyse the influences of genetic variant and comorbidities. This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted at the Danish National Center for Rett Syndrome 2008 to 2022. The Rett Syndrome Gross Motor Scale (RSGMS) was administered, and clinical data collected at each visit.

The presentation of dissociative symptoms in childhood and early adolescence: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of 30 case studies

Dissociative disorders in children and young adolescents are under-recognised and under-treated. Current diagnostic criteria rely on downward extensions of adult models and do not adequately consider developmental differences in younger populations. This reliance risks overlooking symptom patterns that may be unique in childhood, thereby perpetuating diagnostic gaps and delayed treatment. 

Using Population Data to Explore Sibling Profiles in Families of Children With and Without Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Sibling profiles, including sibling status (only-child or sibling) and sibling characteristics (sibling size, birth order, and sex), can impact on lived experiences and social interactions, and operate as protective or risk factors for a wide range of health and well-being indicators and outcomes. Using population-based data linkage to disability-specific databases, sibling profiles were compared between families of children with and without neurodevelopmental conditions.

The potential of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for inherited childhood lung diseases

Antisense oligonucleotides are an emerging therapeutic option to treat diseases with known genetic origin. In the age of personalised medicines, antisense oligonucleotides can sometimes be designed to target and bypass or overcome a patient's genetic mutation, in particular those lesions that compromise normal pre-mRNA processing. Antisense oligonucleotides can alter gene expression through a variety of mechanisms as determined by the chemistry and antisense oligomer design.

Caregiver-reported meaningful change in functional domains for individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: A convergent mixed-methods design

To investigate how caregivers of children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and severe developmental impairments describe meaningful change for functional domains and why it is important.

Well-being and support preferences of siblings of individuals with a neurodevelopmental condition in regional and remote Australia: a mixed methods investigation

This convergent parallel mixed methods study examined the role of protective factors (resilience, family functioning, and social support) in explaining sibling well-being, alongside this population's support preferences and experiences. 

Exploring Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Rett Syndrome Using Directed Content Analysis

No validated oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) instrument currently exists for those with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities and who communicate non-verbally. This qualitative study aimed to explore the domains that were important to the oral health-related quality of life in individuals with Rett syndrome.

Comparing home polysomnography with transcutaneous CO2 monitoring to laboratory polysomnography in children with neuromuscular disorders

Clinical utility of home polysomnography in children with neuromuscular disorders is limited by lack of evidence that sleep-disordered breathing can be reliably identified and inability to diagnose hypoventilation because carbon dioxide is not measured.

Access to Oral Healthcare in Individuals With Rett Syndrome: A Qualitative Study of Parent Perspectives

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are varied in their nature and presentation. Barriers to oral healthcare are reported in studies of general populations with IDD but these may not reflect the barriers experienced by individuals with rare disorders such as Rett syndrome.

The NDIS at ten years: designing an equitable scheme for the next decade

Jenny Downs BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Head, Child Disability 08 6319 1763 Jenny.Downs@thekids.org.au Head, Child Disability Areas of research