CONNECT-CP (A Clinical Research Program to Improve Connection, Access and Translation of Evidence in Cerebral Palsy)

CONNECT-CP aims to diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) earlier and ensure all children in Western Australia (WA) have access to early assessment and support.

Project Description

CONNECT-CP is led by Kids Rehab WA (Child and Adolescent Health Service) in collaboration with The Kids Research Institute and Curtin University. CONNECT-CP aims to diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) earlier and ensure all children in Western Australia (WA) have access to early assessment and support. CONNECT-CP will connect services, build local capacity and equip clinicians with tools to provide timely care for children and families. The state-wide clinical and research network will provide:

Digital Tools for remote assessments using secure video recording & analysis,
Specialist Education and Training for healthcare providers & families to detect CP earlier, and
Clear Referral Pathways so families get support faster.

CONNECT-CP Clinician Resources

Clinician Resource Pack

The CONNECT‑CP team has developed this resource pack to guide clinicians to further resources that may support their learning and their work with children with neurodevelopmental delays and their families. The listed resources are suggestions only; they are not exhaustive or prescriptive and have not been formally evaluated by Kids Rehab WA or The Kids Research Institute Australia. However, they are sourced from reputable organisations. We welcome your feedback on the content, structure, and usefulness of this resource pack, and invite you to share any other resources you use and find helpful. You can provide feedback via this link, or by emailing the CONNECT-CP team directly at connectcp@health.wa.gov.au.

Download the resource pack.

Vision Kits, Book Bag Kits, Switch Kits.

Developed by Kids Rehab WA, with funding from the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and Globe BD, these kits have been developed to support vision development, early literacy skills, and communication needs. These kits are intended to guide clinicians in supporting families by providing recommended examples of suitable supports and resources.

CONNECT-CP Consumer Reference Group Expression of Interest

We are inviting parents and carers to be a part of the CONNECT-CP Consumer Reference Group, for more information:

Click here to watch the consumer recruitment video from Dr. Misty Blakeman (Paediatric Rehabilitation Physician, PCH).

News and events

The CONNECT-CP team is going to Hobart, Tasmania for the Oceania Academy Conference in March 2026. If you are a Person with Lived Experience (PWLE), the conference is offering complimentary registration.

CONNECT-CP presentations at the Oceania Academy Conference

Breakfast seminar: Ben Itzhak, N., Amery, N., Alexander, C., & Valentine J. Ocean to Outback: Bridging Gaps in Access and Equity in Western Australia to Support Early Detection for Every Child.
Instructional workshop: Ben Itzhak, N., & Salt, A. The European Cerebral Visual Impairment Clinical Practice Guidelines: Advancing early detection and assessment, with Australian and Belgian habilitation practice examples.
PhD presentation: Davidson, SA. Accelerate WA – development of a statewide early detection network.

Investigators

Prof Jane Valentine (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Prof Catherine Elliott (Curtin University & Rural Health West), Dr Tiffany Grisbrook (The Kids Research Institute & The University of Western Australia), Dr Caroline Alexander (The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Dr Sue-Anne Davidson (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), A/Prof Alison Salt (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Dr Sian Williams (The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Dr Sarah Hall (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Dr Simon Garbellini (The Kids Research Institute & Child and Adolescent Health Service), Dr Ashleigh Thornton (The Kids Research Institute & The University of Western Australia), Prof Courtenay Harris (Curtin University), Dr Dayna Pool (Curtin University), A/Prof Roslyn Ward (Curtin University), Dr Anna Gubbay (Child and Adolescent Health Service), Alishum Ali (consumer representative), Dr Anna Robson (Western Australian Country Health Service), A/Prof Mary Sharp (Child and Adolescent Health Service), Slade Sibosabo (Kimberley Aboriginal Health Research Alliance), Prof Alicia Spittle (The University of Melbourne).

Expert advisors

Rohan Leonard (Child and Adolescent Health Service), Richard Bonney, Suzanne Spitz (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Andrew Savery (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Lynda Weir (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Rebecca Cresp (Western Australian Country Health Service), Dr Brad Jongeling (Child and Adolescent Health Service).

CONNECT-CP Project team members

Dr Nofar Ben Itzhak (The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Natasha Amery (Child and Adolescent Health Service & The Kids Research Institute & Curtin University), Kathryn Malley (The Kids Research Institute), and Jacinta Sfreddo (The Kids Research Institute) .