Researchers from the Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health research team have launched the Australian Child Neurodevelopment Learning Health Network, a major new national initiative designed to improve outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental differences and their families.
Photo (left to right): Shirley Chowdhary, Pro-Chancellor, The University of Sydney; Professor Adam Guastella, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme; Professor Natalie Silove, Dr Kelsie Boulton
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LinkLed by Professor Adam Guastella, Dr Kelsie Boulton and Professor Natalie Silove, the Network will bring together researchers, clinicians, health services, policymakers and families to create a learning health system that connects research, clinical care and lived experience. The initiative is supported through a $3 million Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) National Critical Research Infrastructure grant.
Families often face long wait times, disconnected services and limited access to evidence-based supports. Through this Network, we are bringing together the expertise, data and partnerships needed to build a system that continuously learns and improves, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.
Professor Adam Guastella
Michael Crouch Chair in Child and Youth Mental Health at the University of Sydney and co-leader of the Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health team
The launch event brought together leaders from government, healthcare, research and the community, including Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister MP, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, alongside representatives from NSW Health, the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, and people with lived experience.
A key focus of the Network is the development of national digital infrastructure, including the Australian Child Neurodevelopment Registry and a suite of personalised assessment and support tools. Together, these resources will help researchers and clinicians better understand developmental pathways, support earlier identification of children's needs, and strengthen access to evidence-based care and support.
This Network will enable us to learn directly from the experiences of children, families and services across Australia, helping us build better pathways for care, support and participation.
Dr Kelsie Boulton
Co-leader of the initiative
By bringing together clinicians, researchers, policymakers and families, we have an opportunity to create lasting improvements in how child neurodevelopment services are delivered and experienced.
Professor Natalie Silove
Head of the Child Development Unit at The Children's Hospital at Westmead and co-leader of the initiative