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Spinal fusion in girls with Rett syndrome: Post-operative recovery and family experiences

Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females and scoliosis is a common co-morbidity. Spinal fusion may be recommended if...

Onset of maternal psychiatric disorders after the birth of a child with intellectual disability: A retrospective cohort study

Mothers of a child with intellectual disability (ID) have more psychiatric disorders after the birth of their child than other mothers.

Association of gestational age at birth with reasons for subsequent hospitalisation: 18 Years of follow-up in a Western Australian population study

Preterm infants are at a higher risk of hospitalisation following discharge from the hospital after birth.

Aspects of speech-language abilities are influenced by MECP2 mutation type in girls with Rett syndrome

This study investigates relationships between methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) mutation type and speech-language abilities in girls with Rett syndrome.

There is variability in the attainment of developmental milestones in the CDKL5 disorder

Individuals with the CDKL5 disorder have been described as having severely impaired development.

Caregiver-mediated interventions to support self-regulation among infants and young children (0-5 years): A protocol for a realist review

Self-regulation is a modifiable protective factor for lifespan mental and physical health outcomes. Early caregiver-mediated interventions to promote infant and child regulatory outcomes prevent long-term developmental, emotional and behavioural difficulties and improve outcomes such as school readiness, educational achievement and economic success. To harness the population health promise of these programmes, there is a need for more nuanced understanding of the impact of these interventions.

Determinants of sleep problems in children with intellectual disability

Children with intellectual disabilities are more likely to experience sleep disorders of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep breathing disorders than typically developing children. The present study examined risk factors for these sleep disorders in 447 children (aged 5-18 years), diagnosed with an intellectual disability and comorbid autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or Rett syndrome. Primary caregivers reported on their child's sleep using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), as well as medical comorbidities and functional abilities.

Birth prevalence of congenital heart defects in Western Australia, 1990–2016

We describe the birth prevalence and characteristics of congenital heart defects in a geographically defined Australian population. This descriptive, population-based study examined congenital heart defects in live births, stillbirths and pregnancy terminations ascertained by the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies, 1990-2016.

Energy drink intake is associated with insomnia and decreased daytime functioning in young adult females

To investigate the association between energy drink (ED) use and sleep-related disturbances in a population-based sample of young adults from the Raine Study.

A Pilot Study Delivering Physiotherapy Support for Rett Syndrome Using a Telehealth Framework Suitable for COVID-19 Lockdown

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetically caused neurodevelopmental disorder associated with severe disability. We assessed the feasibility of a telehealth program supporting gross motor skills in RTT. Five girls with RTT were assessed and a home-based exercise program developed in response to functional goals. Families then participated in monthly Skype sessions for 6 months, guided by a physiotherapist to monitor progress and adjust the program as necessary.