Reports and Findings
Research
“The Wrong Supports Are Worse than no Support”: Autistic Perspectives on Early-in-Life Infant Autism SupportsEvidence suggests that the earlier supports are provided to young Autistic children, the better the overall outcomes. Supports have typically only been available after an autism diagnosis but with increased knowledge about early developmental trajectories, clinical supports can now be offered prediagnosis for infants showing early autism features and/or those with a family history of autism.
Research
Understanding motivation and experience in participating in a paediatric SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey, in AustraliaSerosurveys are considered as a valuable tool in estimating population immunity and infection rates but recruitment of children to provide paediatric estimates can be challenging. A novel approach of sampling children undergoing anaesthesia was utilised for a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey in Australian children and we explore the reasons for participation, feedback on the approach and importance of research into Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19).
Research
Content Validation of the Communication Inventory Disability–Observer Reported CID-ORCDKL5 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.
Research
Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder/hyperkinetic disorder of pediatric and adult populations in clinical settings: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regressionAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Hyperkinetic Disorder (HD) is linked to increased risks of morbidity, comorbidity and mortality, with higher prevalence in clinical populations. The differential prevalence of ADHD/HD across adult and pediatric clinical populations, influenced by factors such as time trends, sex, age, geographic regions, and comorbidities, has not been systematically assessed.
Research
Corrigendum to “Developmental trajectories of socio-emotional outcomes of children and young people in out-of-home care – Insights from data of Pathways of Care Longitudinal Study (POCLS)”Yalemzewod Assefa Gelaw PhD, MPH, BSc Honorary Research Associate Yalemzewod.Gelaw@thekids.org.au Honorary Research Associate Dr Yalemzewod Gelaw joined The Kids Research Institute Australia in 2021 as a research officer on the Malaria Atlas Project
Research
Exploring preferences for interventions to increase active school transportation among children and adolescents in AustraliaThe observed decline in children's active school transport (AST) across numerous countries over recent decades necessitates targeted, multi-level interventions to reverse this trend. However, data on young people's preferred AST interventions is lacking. This study aimed to explore children's preferences for AST interventions and assess differences between AST users and non-users among primary and secondary school students.
Research
Scalability and scaling-up strategy of a physical activity policy intervention in Australian childcare centresThere is an urgent need for scalable interventions to promote physical activity in early childhood. An early childhood education and care physical activity policy intervention with implementation support strategies (Play Active) has been proposed for scale-up in Australia.
Research
Characterizing the Nature of Alexithymia in Autistic Adults: Validation of the Perth Alexithymia QuestionnaireAlexithymia—a trait characterized by difficulties in emotion processing—is of high interest in the autism field. However, the lack of validated alexithymia measures for autistic individuals limits progress. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) across autistic and non-autistic samples. Using the PAQ, we investigated how alexithymia manifests in autistic individuals and its links with poor mental health outcomes (anxiety).
Research
Association of preoperative nocturnal hypoxaemia nadir and fentanyl ventilatory sensitivity in children with obstructive sleep apnoea undergoing general anaesthesiaObstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has been thought to increase the risk of respiratory depression from opioids. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether preoperative hypoxaemia by sleep study pulse oximetry imparts greater opioid sensitivity.
Research
Giving Voice to Rural and Regional Boys and Young Men and Supporting Parents to Prevent Tech-Based Abuse of Girls and Young WomenThis project addresses the growing issue of technology-facilitated abuse against women and girls, particularly in regional Western Australian communities where risks are heightened, and access to support is limited.