The impact of our research
Around 10% of Australian children have a neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, or Tourette syndrome. These conditions are on the rise, but it can be difficult to identify which babies will need extra help until years later.
QIMR Berghofer researchers have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly track how preterm babies are developing once they’re in neonatal intensive care.
We’re leading the Australian ASD and ADHD Study (AAA Study) to improve our understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We’re looking at these conditions with a broad lens and tracking the emotional, educational, employment and financial impacts on individuals and their families.
In a world first, our research has pinpointed where in the brain the communication process breaks down for people with chronic ADHD.
We’re combining physics, machine learning, and cutting-edge neuroimaging technology to uncover the mysteries of the brain.
About early neurodevelopmental disorders
Birth is a precarious time that coincides with rapid brain development. Problems that arise before, during, or shortly after birth can have a lifelong impact.
Babies have an increased risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes if they:
- are premature;
- have a low birth weight for their age (due to intrauterine growth restriction);
- experience complications at birth such as asphyxia.
These outcomes can include:
- cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disabilities;
- hearing and vision impairments;
- cognitive and learning difficulties;
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD);
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Preterm birth is the greatest single risk factor for lifelong neurological or cognitive disability. The more premature the birth, the higher the likelihood of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Children who have experienced abnormal neurodevelopment can have a wide range of symptoms including learning disabilities, reduced emotional regulation, and difficulty socialising.
Around one in 10 babies are born prematurely (before 37 weeks). Those born extremely preterm (before 28 weeks) and very preterm (28–32 weeks) account for a sizeable and growing proportion of premature births.
While treatments are available to support children with early neurodevelopmental disorders, it can be difficult to identify early on which babies will need extra help. When adverse events occur – such as preterm birth or complications at birth – it isn’t possible to know whether neurodevelopment has been impaired, or whether there will be longer-term consequences.
Typically, damage is only identified long after it has occurred. Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed in the second year of life, and cognitive and educational deficits aren’t obvious until even later. There is an urgent need for new diagnostic and prognostic tools to identify babies that need more support, and to help us develop new treatments.