Intellectual and developmental disabilities are heterogeneous in aetiology and presentation, and one cannot make assumptions about the oral health barriers of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) based on findings from generic studies. This study investigated caregivers' perceptions regarding access to dental care for those with RTT, and associations of dental treatments received by those with RTT with their caregivers' perceived value of oral health and perception of their own as well as their daughter's dental anxiety. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• March 2022

Children born to parents with intellectual disability (ID) have been shown as disproportionally represented in child protection services however with limited population-based research. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• February 2022

The diagnostic experiences of autistic adults in New Zealand have not been investigated and little is known globally about autistic adults' satisfaction with the autism diagnostic process. This study describes the diagnostic experiences of 70 autistic adults living in New Zealand and explores how these experiences are related to satisfaction during three stages of the diagnostic process. The results show that autistic adults were reasonably satisfied with the early query and diagnostic assessment stages, but were dissatisfied with the post-diagnostic support stage, with significant unmet needs. Dissatisfaction during the post-diagnostic support stage was also related to satisfaction during previous stages and poor coordination of supports. Suggestions are made on how to improve the autism diagnostic pathway for autistic adults in New Zealand. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• February 2022

A balanced approach toward sun exposure and protection is needed by young people. Excessive sun exposure increases their risk for skin cancers such as melanoma, whereas some exposure is necessary for vitamin D and healthy bones. We have developed a new iOS smartphone app-Sun Safe-through a co-design process, which aims to support healthy and balanced decision-making by young teenagers (aged 12-13 years). ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• January 2022

Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often co-occur. This survey of 288 New Zealand parents of children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, or both conditions, examined the relations between age of diagnosis and early atypical development, the age specialist consultation was needed and types of specialists seen. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• March 2022

The current study aimed to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the current evidence on the effectiveness of Pivotal Response Training (PRT) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to explore predictors of treatment response. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• January 2022

Globally, China has the third highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases despite high rates (85.6%) of effective treatment coverage. Identifying risk factors associated with unsuccessful treatment outcomes is an important component of maximising the efficacy of TB control programmes. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• January 2022

Liz Davis EA MBBS FRACP PhD Head, Chronic & Severe Diseases Research Focus Area; Clinical Lead, Diabetes and Obesity Research Head, Chronic & Severe ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• January 2022

Perioperative respiratory adverse events pose a significant risk in pediatric anesthesia, and identifying these risks is vital. Traditionally, this is assessed using history and examination. However, the perioperative risk is multifactorial, and children with complex medical backgrounds such as chronic lung disease or obesity may benefit from additional objective preoperative pulmonary function tests. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• February 2022

A significant number of university students are leaving their institutions before completing their degrees. The present research project applied embeddedness theory, from organizational research, to understand student retention in a tertiary student population, and develop a quantitative instrument that measured university student embeddedness. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• January 2022