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Early Childhood Development

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. Evidence demonstrates the period from pre-birth to three years is a vital period of development. It lays the foundations for a child’s future and has life-long impacts on health, education, job opportunities, social inclusion and wellbeing.

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection which causes a severe cough and can be particularly dangerous to babies under a year old. Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of whooping cough.

Playgroups

The importance of play for a child’s development is irrefutable. Playgroups provide a safe environment for children of similar ages to play and develop prior to starting school.

When differently abled experiences collide, magic happens

A quality of life tool developed by disability researcher Jenny Downs is helping to reveal the difference specific interventions can make to the lives of children and families living with disability.

Technology helps ease parents' worry

Video technology is helping researchers learn more about the earliest features of autism, and in turn is helping families gain access to better interventions.

Planning for a healthy start

A diet and lifestyle mobile app targeting a critical window in early pregnancy is being introduced to women in the northern suburbs of Perth, hoping to assist with breaking the ‘transmission’ of obesity from one generation to the next.

Lightening the leukaemia load for kids with Down syndrome

Kids born with Down syndrome are at high risk of an array of health problems – including issues with sight, hearing, heart defects, bone complications, immune disorders and learning difficulties.

Not just a cough: Wet cough research prompts significant change in clinical and community practice

Results from a world first-study measuring prevalence of chronic wet cough and protracted bacterial bronchitis in four Kimberley Aboriginal communities have highlighted the enormity of the health problem.

Landmark flu decision set to save kids’ lives

For the first time this year, all Australian babies and children aged six months to four years will be entitled to have a free influenza vaccination.

RHD Endgame tantalisingly close

Professor Jonathan Carapetis has made eliminating rheumatic heart disease his life’s work.