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Cutting-edge CliniKids keeps families up-to-date

CliniKids, the first stand-alone clinical service offered by The Kids Research Institute Australia, was launched in October 2019 and is already delivering benefits for families with children who are developing differently.

Understanding autistic LGBTQA+ young people’s experiences of trauma: An intersectional approach

Recent research has consistently found significantly higher rates of gender and sexual diversity reported in the autistic population compared to the non-autistic population, and higher rates of autism reported in LGBTQA+ populations compared to cisgender and heterosexual populations

Using ambulatory monitoring to investigate awake breathing irregularities in Rett syndrome in Australian population-based and Italian clinic samples

Helen Jenny Leonard Downs MBChB MPH BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Principal Research Fellow Head, Child Disability +61 419 956 946 08 6319 1763

Oral health care and service utilisation in individuals with Rett syndrome: an international cross-sectional study

There is a dearth of literature available on the comparative oral health status of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) despite diurnal bruxism being a supportive diagnostic criterion for the disorder. This study was designed to investigate the dental experiences of individuals with RTT in terms of perceived at-home and professional dental care.

Using directed-content analysis to identify a framework for understanding quality of life in adults with Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females and is caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Recent research identified the domains of quality of life (QOL) important for children with RTT but there has been no investigation of domains important for adults. This qualitative study explored QOL in adults with RTT and compared domains with those previously identified for children.

Implementing telehealth support to increase physical activity in girls and women with Rett syndrome-ActivRett: protocol for a waitlist randomised controlled trial

Individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) experience impaired gross motor skills, limiting their capacity to engage in physical activities and participation in activities. There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of supported physical activity interventions. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a telehealth-delivered physical activity programme on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and quality of life in RTT.

Oral health education and promotion in special needs children: Systematic review and meta-analysis

To review the effectiveness of oral health education and oral health promotion interventions for children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), in ensuring optimal gingival health, caries experience and oral health-related quality of life, compared to no interventions or alternative interventions.

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.

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.

qPCR assay optimisation for a clinical study comparing oral health risk in Rett syndrome

This study aimed to validate qPCR assays for specific microbiota, for use on dental plaque samples stored on Whatman FTA cards to compare relative oral health risk in Rett syndrome.