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Human Development and Community Wellbeing

The Human Development and Community Wellbeing (HDCW) Team focuses on improving outcomes for children, family, and the community.

Bullying

Bullying is now regarded as a health problem and not just a disciplinary problem. Increasing evidence shows both traditional bullying (e.g. hitting, teasing) and cyberbullying have lasting effects on young people (both those who bully and those who are bullied), including damage to self-esteem, academic results and mental health.

A community-led, trauma-informed psychosocial intervention to improve health outcomes of children and young people with Type-1 diabetes

T1D can be a traumatic diagnosis for children and young people, and often involves strict adherence to painful treatments, comorbid mental health conditions, and shortened life expectancy.

Exploring sleep challenges in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder

Sleep disturbance is a common and significant issue for individuals with CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD) and their families. The study aimed to investigate experiences of sleep disturbance in CDD and associated factors.

International Rett syndrome study: InterRett

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

Mental Health

According to the Young Minds Matter study, mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are experienced by approximately one in seven or 560,000 young people in Australia. These disorders can often have a significant impact on children’s learning and development and on family life.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Mental Health in Children

The behavioral phenotype of neurogenetic disorders associated with intellectual disability often includes psychiatric comorbidity. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to systematically review the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and symptoms in children and adolescents

Survival of children and adolescents with intellectual disability following gastrostomy insertion

Whilst gastrostomy insertion was associated with lower survival rates than children without gastrostomy, survival improved with time

Pets Are Associated with Fewer Peer Problems and Emotional Symptoms, and Better Prosocial Behavior: Findings from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Pets may protect children from developing social-emotional problems and should be taken into account when assessing child development and school readiness

Risk of Hospitalizations Following Gastrostomy in Children with Intellectual Disability

Gastrostomy was associated with health benefits including reduced all-cause and epilepsy hospitalizations, but was not protective against acute LRTI