Stem Cells for the Brain: Are We Letting Australians Down?

Cerebral Palsy Alliance is pleased to announce a free Public Forum. Research into the potential of stem cells for treating a number of brain conditions is progressing at a rapid pace. This FREE public forum will be an engaging and informative event which will cover stem cells basics, current research and exciting breakthroughs. Attendees will hear from leading experts in the field as well as from members of the community.

A highlight of this event will be a panel discussion and interactive Q&A lead by Dr Karl, where we encourage the public to weigh-in on the conversation.

(more…)

Date: 4 March - 4 March

Location: York Theatre, Seymour Centre, Chippendale NSW

2019 Prechtl’s Method of the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements- Basic Course

This three and a half day course provides an introduction into Prechtl’s Method on the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements in young infants. This new assessment method has shown its merit for the prenatal and postnatal evaluation of the integrity of the nervous system. Compelling evidence is now available that qualitative assessment of General Movements (GMs) at a very early age is the best predictor for cerebral palsy. This method has become a potent supplement to the traditional kind of neurological examination.

Who should attend? Medical specialists, neonatologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses, and other professionals in the field of infant neurology

Date: 4 December - 7 December

Location: Marion Davis Lecture Hall, Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand

Pathways and Resources for Engagement and Participation (PREP), 2019

The PREP approach is a new evidence-based intervention that aims to improve participation in any type of chosen activity. The intervention focuses on changing aspects of the child or youth’s environment and by coaching parents and other individuals involved in the young person’s everyday activities. PREP is applicable for children, youth and adults across various conditions and abilities. In this half-day workshop core elements of the 5 steps of the PREP will be introduced, as well as effective intervention strategies for improving participation will be demonstrated through ‘real life’ scenarios. A range of resources and tools to support the implementation of the PREP in practice will also be shared. Finally, evidence supporting the effectiveness of the PREP in improving participation will be outlined and its applicability to children and youth with various conditions (physical disabilities, acquired brain injury, younger children with a history of pre-term birth) will be discussed.

The workshop will be lead by Associate Professor Dana Anaby from the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at McGill University with substantial research experience in childhood-onset disability. Dana is the primary co-developer of the PREP approach and has led the examination of this intervention among children and youth with disabilities in Canada.

Download the Flyer

Date: 12 October - 12 October

Location: The Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Campus, Room 403.7.02

2019 AusCP-CTN Hot Topics in Cerebral Palsy Research Forum

The AusCP-CTN CRE aims to foster and develop current and future leaders in cerebral palsy research and clinical practice. Our vision for the future workforce for children with cerebral palsy is national capacity building comprising individuals with expertise in more than one key area of research and/or training (basic science / neuroscience, epidemiology, clinical/health services initiatives, and translation / implementation).

Hosted at the Monash Health Translation Precinct, Clayton, Melbourne, AusCP-CTN invites you to join us at the “Hot Topics in Cerebral Palsy Research Forum – Monday 21 – Tuesday 22 October 2019” to hear some of the work being done to improve early diagnosis and intervention for children with, or at risk of, cerebral palsy.

Day 1:   Monday, 21 October

• Early Detection and Neuroimaging in CP:  Dr Jurgen Fripp (CSIRO), Dr Alex Pagnozzi (CSIRO), Dr Christian Redd (CSIRO)
• Pre-Clinical and Neonatal Clinical Trials:  Prof. Euan Wallace (Monash University), A/Prof. Michael Fahey (Monash Children’s Hospital), Dr Atul Malhotra (Monash Children’s Hospital), Dr Courtney McDonald (Hudson Institute of Medical Research), Yana Wilson (Cerebral Palsy Alliance), Dr Stacey Ellery (Hudson Institute of Medical Research)
• Higher Degree by Research 3-Minute Thesis:  Research students from Monash University showcasing their scientific findings.
• Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) Training:  details TBA.

Day 2:   Tuesday, 22 October

• Clinical Trials:  Prof. Roslyn Boyd (The University of Queensland), Prof. Yannick Bleyenheuft (Université Catholique de Louvain), Prof. Iona Novak (Cerebral Palsy Alliance), Dr Sarah McIntyre (Cerebral Palsy Alliance)
• Early Detection:  A/Prof. Alicia Spittle (The University of Melbourne), Prof. Arie Bos (University Medical Centre of Groningen)
• Infant Clinical Trials:  Prof. Roslyn Boyd (The University of Queensland), Dr Cathy Morgan (Cerebral Palsy Alliance), Dr Katherine Benfer (The University of Queensland), Dr Leanne Sakzewski (The University of Queensland), Dr Koa Whittingham (The University of Queensland)
• Child Clinical Trials:  Dr Leanne Sakzewski (The University of Queensland), Prof. Bernard Dan (Université libtre de Bruxelles)

(more…)

Date: 21 October - 22 October

Location: Monash Health Translation Precinct, 45 Kanooka Grove, Clayton VIC 3168

Understanding Normal Movement for Paediatric Therapists

This two-day course is designed to introduce participants to the concept of movement analysis in the assessment and treatment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Participants will be able to describe key components relating to the analysis of postures and movement sequences and learn how to facilitate movement with the opportunity to practice handling skills.

It is a practical course with the focus on therapists developing their skills of observation of posture and movement, with the practice of facilitation of normal movement.

Date: 24 May - 25 May

Location: Geelong, Victoria (TBC)

Making a Difference – CRE-CP symposium

Early bird registrations are now open for the CRE-CP: Making a Difference Symposium in Melbourne this April. This event includes three exciting workshops, a community forum and a full-day meeting. Please note that workshop spaces are limited, so get in quick and take advantage of the excellent early bird discounts.

The two-day Symposium is aimed at Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Paediatricians, Neurologists and Neurosurgeons, Rehabilitation Physicians, Psychologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Disability Support Workers, Child Health Nurses, Special Educators, Researchers, and other professionals involved in the care of people with cerebral palsy. The technology forum on Thursday 4^th April is aimed at people with cerebral palsy and their families, technology developers and health professionals and support workers involved in the care of people with cerebral palsy.

Early Bird Registration – book before 22 February and save 20%:

• $180 general rate, $150 AusACPDM members (both days)
• $70 general rate for workshops 1, 2 or 3

Date: 4 April - 5 April

Location: Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne