Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of physical disability in children, affecting one in 500 young Australians. It happens when a baby suffers a brain injury, usually late in pregnancy or around the time of birth. 

All children with cerebral palsy will have some form of movement problem. Whether it be minor or severe, these problems just don’t go away.

Scientific Director and Associate Professor Roslyn Boyd is passionate about making a difference for these children and is excited to be leading the Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre (QCPRRC) at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Fortunately research into cerebral palsy has “come a really long way in a short period of time,” she says.

“New developments such as advanced brain imaging, early interventions and motion analyses, have really advanced our understanding and management of cerebral palsy. And we’re also thinking outside the box.  For example, the impact of nutrition, bone health and physical activity. It’s a much broader view of cerebral palsy and what might be possible.”

Improving the quality of life of children living with cerebral palsy and developing new positive parenting programs (such as Triple P) for families of children with cerebral palsy is at the heart of research programs at the QCPRRC. With your support researchers are improving the quality of life and enhancing the participation of children like Caitlin with this potentially devastating life-long condition.