CP-Achieve – CRE in Cerebral Palsy — 2020–2025 (archived)

Building research capacity and collaboration in cerebral palsy research

CP-Achieve advanced research, capacity, and collaboration in CP across Australia, laying the foundation for meaningful sector-wide impact. The program established a strong collaborative network of 59 investigators and 50 consumers, strengthening cross-sector engagement and the co-production of research outputs.

Supported by 14 organisations, 12 partner institutions, and four consumer advisory groups, the team secured 13 grants and delivered 41 research projects.

To strengthen capability across the sector, the program funded five PhD scholarships, six postdoctoral and two knowledge translation fellowships, and 23 travel scholarships, empowering the next generation of researchers and fostering ongoing innovation.

Impact highlights

CP-Achieve contributed to policy, practice, education, and community inclusion for people with CP. While many initiatives made a meaningful difference, the following projects highlight some of these impacts:

Transition and services for adults including care pathways - Led by Evelyn Culnane
Resulted in the uptake and use of evidence by decision-makers and transition services. Research findings were embedded into CP–specific HealthPathways and care planning tools, strengthening statewide clinical coordination and supporting more consistent, person-centred service delivery.

Evidence-based lifestyle program - Led byJackie Ding (PhD Candidate)
Developed a pilot health literacy resource that was incorporated into 'Fitness for Life' an accessible website led by Dr Stacey Cleary and Dr Georgia McKenzie. The website built skills and knowledge, expanding physical activity opportunities beyond rehabilitation settings.

Exploring the profile of general practice access and interventions among adults with CP: A systematic review Primary care practice improvement  - Led by Professor Prue Morgani
Informed the development of general practitioner and consumer checklists to support structured consultations and consistent primary care service delivery.

Navigating consumer involvement in health and disability research - Led by Claire Rowland
Supported the uptake of inclusive consumer involvement in research practice. These co-designed resources enabled meaningful participationimproving accessibility and authenticity while strengthening inclusive research practices across health and disability research.

Inclusive framework and toolkit to include augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users in research - Led by Megan Walsh (PhD Candidate)
Supported the uptake of inclusive consumer involvement in research practice. These co-designed resources enabled meaningful participationimproving accessibility and authenticity while strengthening inclusive research practices across health and disability research.

Exercise interventions for those with complex cerebral palsy - Led by James Czencz (PhD Candidate)
Translated research into service delivery and workforce education. Outcomes informed community inclusion policies and initiatives, including inclusive gym programs and accessible beach days. The evidence was incorporated into university teaching on adults with CP at the Universityof New South Wales and Central Queensland University.

Development of a core outcome Set to assess chronic pain for children and young people with CP using a biopsychosocial approach - Led byNadine Smith (PhD Candidate)
Informed clinical guidelines, improved assessment practices, and supported equitable referral to multidisciplinary pain services. 

CP-Achieve produced a range of resources to support meaningful consumer involvement, physical activity participation, inclusive research practices, and mental health awareness.

These products were co-designed with young people with CP, their families, and other stakeholders to ensure accessibility, relevance, and practical application. 

Navigating bonsumer involvement in health and disability research

Developed with young people with CP and their families, this resource shares strategies and stories about supporting consumer involvement in research. It includes insights from five research projects, covering roles, activities, costs, and impacts of consumer engagement, and explores inclusive approaches for adolescents, young adults, AAC users, and parents. 

• CP-Achieve-Consumer-Involvement-Resource.pdf3.52 MB
  
  

Fitness for Life: Resources for community and gym-based physical activity

A suite of co-designed resources and an accessible website, CP-Pathfinding,to build skills and knowledge for physical activity, including for people with high support needs. Young adults with CP contributed to content creation, photography, videography, and interviews. A case series study illustrates real-world community-based physical activity for adults with high support needs. 

Inclusive framework and toolkit for AAC users in research

Developed in partnership with One Group Our Voice (OGOV), this framework guides researchers in creating accessible methods, materials, and environments for meaningful involvement of AAC users. It addresses power imbalance, accessibility, ethics, consent, recruitment and communication support and was published in the International Journal of Qualitative Methods, with a plain-language summary video and practical toolkit.

• Toolkit: Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management
  
• Article: Including People Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication in Qualitative Research: Can You Hear Us?
  
  

Toolkit for parents and carers of people with cerebral palsy

A mental health toolkit supporting early identification of potential concerns. Offers practical guidance on recognising signs of mental health challenges and discussing these with doctors and the person with CP. 

• Mental Health Toolkit for Parents and Carers of people with Cerebral Palsy: Identifying early signs of mental ill-health (Figshare)
  
  

Guide for young people with CP on recognising mental health challenges

Provides clear examples of symptoms and practical tips for starting conversations with parents, carers, or health professionals to address early mental health concerns.

• How to know when things are not okay? A guide for young people with cerebral palsy to help recognise signs of mental health problems (Figshare)

Alanen, A., Kallio, M., Culnane, E., Koivisto, M., Pasanen, M., Salanterä, S., Sawyer, S., & Kosola, S. (2024). Anxiety and care experiences in adolescents with chronic health conditions: An international, longitudinal study across the transfer of care. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 8(1), e002836.https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002836

Anaby, D., Khetani, M., Piskur, B., van der Holst, M., Bedell, G., Schakel, F., de Kloet, A., Simeonsson, R., & Imms, C. (2022). Towards a paradigm shift in pediatric rehabilitation: Accelerating the uptake of evidence on participation into routine clinical practice. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(9), 1746–1757. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1903102

Bekteshi, S., Karlsson, P., De Reyck, L., Vermeerbergen, K., Konings, M., Hellin, P., Aerts, J. M., Hallez, H., Dan, B., & Monbaliu, E. (2022). Eye movements and stress during eye-tracking gaming performance in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 64(11), 1402–1415. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15237

Bekteshi, S., Konings, M., Karlsson, P., Van Criekinge, T., Dan, B., & Monbaliu, E. (2023). Teleintervention for users of augmentative and alternative communication devices: A systematic review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(2), 171–184. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15387

Bhowon, Y., Prendergast, L., Taylor, N., & Shields, N. (2023). Using geospatial analysis to determine the proximity of community gyms for a population-based cohort of young people with cerebral palsy. Physiotherapy Canada. https://doi.org/10.3138/ptc-2022-0064

Carey, J. J., Spittle, A., Imms, C., Shields, N., Wallen, M., O’Keefe, F., Yates, M. J., Skilbeck, H., & Toovey, R. (2025). Adapting experience-based co-design to disability research: Co-producing the CycLink co-design study. Health Expectations, 28(3), e70276. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.70276

Carey, J. J., Toovey, R., Spittle, A. J., Imms, C., & Shields, N. (2023). Exploring adaptive cycling interventions for young people with disability: An online survey of providers in Australia. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(17), Article 5523. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12175523

Cassidy, A., Bannon, N., Wallen, M., Dimarco, A., Garrity, N., Hunter, O., Anaby, D., Fredrickson, E., Cowan, H., Knudsen, D., Thornton, S., & Imms, C. (2025). A stakeholder-involved adaptation of pathways and resources for engagement and participation (PREP) material with young adults with complex disability in Australia: An implementation feasibility study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47(10), 2586–2598. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2397083

Cavens, C., Imms, C., Drake, G., Garrity, N., & Wallen, M. (2022). Perspectives of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy about involvement as research partners: A qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(16), 4293–4302. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1900927

Cleary, S. L., Morgan, P. E., Wallen, M., Honan, I., Shields, N., Munzel, F. E., Plummer, J. R., Assaad, C., Karlsson, P., Culnane, E., Ding, J. Y., Holmes, C., Dutia, I. M., Reddihough, D. S., & Imms, C. (2024). Experiences of participation in daily life of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy: A scoping review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 67(5), 572–590. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.16196

Cleary, S., Holmes, C., Culnane, E., & Imms, C. (2025). Young adults with cerebral palsy and their transition to and through the healthcare environments of young adulthood. In C. P. Panteliadis (Ed.), Cerebral palsy: From childhood to adulthood (4th ed., Chapter 39). Springer. ISBN 978-3-031-71571-6. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71571-6_39

Cleary, S., Lami, F., & Wong, B., & Hickey, L. (2023). REsearch with lived experience experts: A planning, onboarding and participation guide for researchers (The RELEE-POP guide).

Clough I, Culnane E, Loftus H. Exploring the transition experiences of young adults with cerebral palsy. Child Care Health Dev. 2024 Jan;50(1):e13186. doi: 10.1111/cch.13186. Epub 2023 Oct 24. PMID: 37874030. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13186

Culnane, E., Efron, D., Williams, K., Marraffa, C., Antolovich, G., Prakash, C., & Loftus, H. (2023). Carer perspectives of a transition to adult care model for adolescents with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder with mental health comorbidities. Child: Care, Health and Development, 49(2), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1111/cch.13040

Culnane, E., Loftus, H., Efron, D., Williams, K., Di Iorio, N., Shepherd, R., Marraffa, C., Lubitz, L., Antolovich, G., & Prakash, C. (2020). Development of the Fearless, Tearless Transition model of care for adolescents with an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder with mental health comorbidities. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 63(5), 560–565. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14766

Czencz, J., Shields, N., Wallen, M., Wilson, P. H., McGuckian, T. B., & Imms, C. (2023). Does exercise affect quality of life and participation of adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(25), 4190–4206. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2148297

 Czencz, J., Wallen, M., Shields, N., Imms, C., & Wilson, P. H. (2024). Understanding the wants and needs of adults with cerebral palsy who use wheelchairs to participate in community-based physical activity – A qualitative study. European Journal of Public Health, 34(Supplement_2), ckae114.117. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckae114.117

Danielsson, H., Imms, C., Ivarsson, M., Almqvist, L., Lundqvist, L.-O., King, G., Adams Lyngbäck, L., Andersson, A. K., Arnell, S., Arvidsson, P., Augustine, L., Brooks, R., Eldh, M., Engde, L., Engkvist, H., Gimbler Berglund, I., Green, D., Huus, K., Karlsson, C., Lygnegård, F., Sjödin, L., & Granlund, M. (2024). A systematic review of longitudinal trajectories of mental health problems in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 36, 203–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10882-023-09914-8

Ding, D., Eres, R., & Surkalim, D. L. (2022). A lonely planet: Time to tackle loneliness as a public health issue. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 377, o1464. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o1464

Ding, J., Cleary, S., & Morgan, P. (2024). Health literacy in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy: A mixed methods systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(24), 5717–5729. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2311879

 Ding, J., Cleary, S., & Morgan, P. (2024). Participation experiences of young people with cerebral palsy in key life situations: A qualitative study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 66(10), 1369–1379. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15920

Ding, J., Cleary, S., & Morgan, P. (2025). Capacity building goals in young people with cerebral palsy in Australia: Analysis of publicly available National Disability Insurance Scheme data. Children and Youth Services Review, 176, 108395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108395

Dutia, I. M., & Tweedy, S. M. (2021, August 24). The Paralympics strive for inclusion, but some rules unfairly exclude athletes with severe disabilities. The Conversation.

Dutia, I. M., Eres, R., Sawyer, S. M., Johnston, L., Reddihough, D., Cleary, S., & Coghill, D. (2021). Protocol for systematic review of measurement of fatigue in people with cerebral palsy. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.07.20.21260898

Dutia, I., Eres, R., Sawyer, S. M., Pennacchia, J., Johnston, L. M., Cleary, S., Reddihough, D., & Coghill, D. (2024). Fatigue experienced by people with cerebral palsy: A systematic review of assessment tools and decision tree. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(9), 1751– 1759. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2205175

Eres, R., Dutia, I., Walsh, M., Mulraney, M., Sawyer, S. M., Reddihough, D. S., & Coghill, D. (2021). Understanding the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in people with cerebral palsy: A systematic review protocol. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.23.21254205

Eres, R., Lim, M. H., & Bates, G. (2023). Loneliness and social anxiety in young adults: The moderating and mediating roles of emotion dysregulation, depression and social isolation risk. Psychology and Psychotherapy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12469

Eres, R., Reddihough, D., & Coghill, D. (2022). Addressing mental health problems in Australians with cerebral palsy: A need for specialist mental health services. Advances in Mental Health, 20(3), 281–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/18387357.2021.2000578

Gaskin, C. J., Imms, C., Dagley, G. R., Msall, M. E., & Reddihough, D. (2021). Successfully negotiating life challenges: Learnings from adults with cerebral palsy. Qualitative Health Research, 31(12), 2176–2193. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323211023449

Gill, J., Morgan, P., & Enticott, J. (2022). Emergency department usage by adults with cerebral palsy: A retrospective cohort study. Emergency Medicine Australasia, 34, 169–175. https://doi.org/10.1111/1742-6723.13832

Graham, K., Rutz, E., Thomason, P., & Willoughby, K. (2023). Reducing spasticity does not prevent hip displacement in cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(8), 1123. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15613

Granlund, M., & Imms, C. (2024). Participation as a means–implications for intervention reasoning. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 5, 1399818. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2024.1399818

Granlund, M., Imms, C., King, G., Andersson, A. K., Augustine, L., Brooks, R., Danielsson, H., Gothilander, J., Ivarsson, M., Lundqvist, L. O., Lygnegård, F., & Almqvist, L. (2021). Definitions and operationalization of mental health problems, wellbeing and participation constructs in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: Distinctions and clarifications. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1656. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041656

Harvey, A. R., McKinnon, C. T., Smith, N., Ostojic, K., Paget, S. P., Smith, S., Shepherd, D. A., Lewis, J., & Morrow, A. (2021). Establishing consensus for the assessment of chronic pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy: A Delphi study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(23), 7161–7166. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1985632

Harvey, A., Smith, N., Smith, M., et al. (2024). Chronic pain in children and young people with cerebral palsy: A narrative review of challenges, advances, and future directions. BMC Medicine, 22, 238. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-024-03458-0

Harvey, A., Waugh, M. C., Rice, J., Antolovich, G., Copeland, L., Orsini, F., Scheinberg, A., McKinnon, C., Thorley, M., Baker, F., Chalkiadis, G., & Stewart, K. (2021). A pilot feasibility study of gabapentin for managing pain in children with dystonic cerebral palsy. BMC Pediatrics, 21(1), 368. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-021-02847-1

Hastings-Ison, T., & Graham, K. (2023). Lanbotulinumtoxin-A: Safe for children with cerebral palsy but is it effective? Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(1), 10–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15329

Headrick, K., Thornton, M., Hogan, A., Deramore Denver, B., Drake, G., & Wallen, M. (2022). Consumer involvement in research: Parent perceptions of partnership in cerebral palsy research – A qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(3), 483–493. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2034992

Hickey, L., Harms, L., Culnane, E., Saunders, V., Imms, C., Ball, M., & Reddihough, D. (2025). Families’ perspectives of transitioning young adults with cerebral palsy to independent living. Disability and Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2564289

Hickey, L., Kuyucak, O., Clausen, L., & Imms, C. (2023). Mapping the focus of research conducted with adults with cerebral palsy: An overview of systematic reviews. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(2), 185–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2032412

Holmes, C., Shields, N., Morgan, P., Brock, K., McKenzie, G., & Reddihough, D. (2024). Home-based motorised cycling in non-ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: A feasibility study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47(3), 609–617. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2353234

Honan, I., Waight, E., Bratel, J., Given, F., Badawi, N., McIntyre, S., & Smithers-Sheedy, H. (2023). Emotion regulation is associated with anxiety, depression and stress in adults with cerebral palsy. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(7), 2527. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072527

Howard, J. J., Graham, H. K., Johari, A., Narayanan, U., Bennett, L., Presedo, A., Shore, B. J., Guerschman, T., & Aroojis, A. (2024). Hip displacement in children with cerebral palsy: Surveillance to surgery – A current concepts review. SICOT-J, 10, 30. https://doi.org/10.1051/sicotj/2024023

Howard, J. J., Joumaa, V., Robinson, K. G., Lee, S. K., Akins, R. E., Syed, F., Shrader, M. W., Huntley, J. S., Graham, H. K., Leonard, T., & Herzog, W. (2023). Collagenase treatment decreases muscle stiffness in cerebral palsy: A preclinical ex vivo biomechanical analysis of hip adductor muscle fiber bundles. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(12), 1639–1645. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15637

Huf, I., Soh, S., & Morgan, P. (2025). Aquatic exercise for adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy: A mixed methods scoping review. Disability & Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2523973

Huggins, J., Karlsson, P., & Warschausky, S. (2022). Challenges of brain–computer interface facilitated cognitive assessment for children with cerebral palsy. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 16, 977042. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.977042

Imms, C., Reddihough, D., Shepherd, D. A., & Kavanagh, A. (2021). Social outcomes of school leavers with cerebral palsy living in Victoria. Frontiers in Neurology, 12, 753921. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2021.753921

Ivarsson, M., Danielsson, H., & Imms, C. (2025). Measurement issues in longitudinal studies of mental health problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. BMC Psychology, 13(1), 267. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02450-4

Ivarsson, M., Danielsson, H., Almqvist, L., & Imms, C. (2025). Enhancing cognitive accessibility in assessments for children with neurodisability: Development and implementation of an adaptation tracking questionnaire. Disability and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2455532

Kaelin, V. C., Quaaden, K., Newman-Griffis, D. R., Lindgren, H., Granlund, M., & Imms, C. (2024). Towards a better understanding of involvement in daily life activities from the perspectives of children and youth: Protocol of a scoping review. Open Science Framework. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HNVBJ

Kallio, M. M., Tornivuori, A., Kolho, K. L., Culnane, E., Loftus, H., Sawyer, S. M., & Kosola, S. (2024). Changes in health-related quality of life during transition to adult healthcare: An international prospective cohort study. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 109(8), 659–665. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2024-327017

Kallio, M., Tornivuori, A., Miettinen, P., Kolho, K.-L., Culnane, E., Sawyer, S., & Kosola, S. (2023). Disease control and psychiatric comorbidity among adolescents with chronic medical conditions: A single-centre retrospective study. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 7(1), e001605. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2022-001605

Karlsson, P., Honan, I., Warschausky, S., Kaufman, J. N., Henry, G., Stephenson, C., Webb, A., McEwan, A., & Badawi, N. (2022). A validation and acceptability study of cognitive testing using switch and eye-gaze control technologies for children with motor and speech impairments: A protocol paper. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 991000. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.991000

Karlsson, P., Shepherd, M., & Honan, I. (2022). Accommodations to cognitive assessment for a child with dyskinetic cerebral palsy: A case study. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2022.2089244

Kennedy, R. A., McKenzie, G., & Shields, N. (2025). Gym entry fees act as a barrier to exercising in community gyms for young adults with disability: A mixed methods study. JSAMS Plus, 5, 100094. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsampl.2025.100094

Kennedy, R. A., McKenzie, G., Holmes, C., & Shields, N. (2022). Social support initiatives that facilitate exercise participation in community gyms for people with disability: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1), 699. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010699

Kerr, C., Novak, I., Shields, N., Ames, A., Best Service Best Time Author Group, & Imms, C. (2022). Do supports and barriers to routine clinical assessment for children with cerebral palsy change over time? A mixed-methods study. Disability and Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2046874

Kilgour, G., Adair, B., Stott, N. S., Steele, M., Hogan, A., & Imms, C. (2022). Do physical activity interventions influence subsequent attendance and involvement in physical activities for children with cerebral palsy? A systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(9), 1682–1698. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1909151

Kilgour, G., Lu, A., Kozelj, N., Tracy, J., Hickey, L., Granlund, M., Shields, N., Morgan, P., Drake, G., Cleary, S., Johnston, L., & Imms, C. (2024). Participating together in CP-Achieve: Experiences, opportunities and reflections from a collaborative research team of people with lived experience of cerebral palsy and health care professionals. Childhood, 31(3), 407–426. https://doi.org/10.1177/09075682241269682

Kilgour, G., Stott, N. S., Steele, M., Adair, B., Hogan, A., & Imms, C. (2023). Effects of a 12-week community-based high-level mobility program on sustained participation in physical activity by adolescents with cerebral palsy: A single-subject research design study. Disability and Rehabilitation. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2256225

Kilgour, G., Stott, N. S., Steele, M., Adair, B., Hogan, A., & Imms, C. (2023). The journey to sustainable participation in physical activity for adolescents living with cerebral palsy. Children (Basel), 10(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091533

Kilgour, G., Stott, N. S., Steele, M., Adair, B., Hogan, A., & Imms, C. (2024). More than just having fun! Understanding the experience of involvement in physical activity of adolescents living with cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(15), 3396–3407. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2251395

Lim, M. H., Qualter, P., Thurston, L., Eres, R., Hennessey, A., Holt-Lunstad, J., & Lambert, G. W. (2022). A global longitudinal study examining social restrictions severity on loneliness, social anxiety, and depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 818030. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.818030

Lim, M. H., Thurston, L., Eres, R., Rodebaugh, T. L., Alvarez-Jimenez, M., Penn, D. L., Kostakos, V., & Gleeson, J. F. M. (2023). A pilot randomised controlled trial of the Peer Tree digital intervention targeting loneliness in young people: A study protocol. Trials, 24, 77. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-07029-7

Ma, N., Gould, D., Camathias, C., Graham, K., & Rutz, E. (2023). Single-event multi-level surgery in cerebral palsy: A bibliometric analysis. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 59(11), 1922. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59111922

Ma, N., Sclavos, N., Graham, K., & Rutz, E. (2023). Hip surgery in cerebral palsy: A bibliometric analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 1744. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031744

McKenzie, G., Kennedy, R. A., Willis, C., & Shields, N. (2025). Industry perspectives on the implementation of social support for young adults with disability in community gyms: A qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47(16), 4106–4115. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2440136

McKenzie, G., Shields, N., & Willis, C. (2023). ‘Finding what works for me’ – A qualitative study of factors influencing community gym participation for young adults with cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(12), 1984–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2083243

McKenzie, G., Willis, C., & Shields, N. (2021). Barriers and facilitators of physical activity participation for young people and adults with childhood-onset physical disability: A mixed methods systematic review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 63(8), 914–924. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14830

McKenzie, G., Willis, C., Yao, A., Munzel, F., Kennedy, R., & Shields, N. (2024). Identifying and prioritising strategies to optimise community gym participation for young adults with cerebral palsy: An e-Delphi study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(7), 1309–1317. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2193431

Morgan, P., & Holmes, C. (2024). Selected topics in physical management for neurological conditions. In S. Lennon, G. Ramdharry, & G. Verheyden (Eds.), Physical management for neurological conditions (5th ed., Chapter 25). Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323881326

Morgan, P. E., & Soh, S.-E. (2025). Determinants of hospital-based health service use across the lifespan in cerebral palsy: A retrospective observational study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.70098

Morgan, P., & Zanudin, A. (2025). Exploring the characteristics and utilization of general practice healthcare by adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 16. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319251320160

Morgan, P., Cleary, S., Dutia, I., Bow, K., & Shields, N. (2023). Community-based physical activity interventions for adolescents and adults with complex cerebral palsy: A scoping review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(11), 1451–1463. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15611

Morgan, P., Enticott, J., Nikam, R., & Tracy, J. (2020). Profile of hospital admissions for adults with cerebral palsy: A retrospective cohort study. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 62, 939–945. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14533

Morgan, P., Holmes, C. (2024). Chapter: Complex Care of adults with cerebral palsy CP, in Physical Management for Neurological Conditions, Lennon, S., Ramdharry, G., Verheyden, G. (Eds). 5th Ed. Elsevier

Morgan, P., Tang, N. T. K., & Imms, C. 2024). Characteristics of National Disability Insurance Scheme plan payments for people with cerebral palsy described using publicly available data. Health & Social Care in the Community, 2024, Article 5541911. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5541911

Noten, S., Selb, M., Troenosemito, L. A. A., Thorpe, D. E., Rodby-Bousquet, E., van der Slot, W. M. A., Roebroeck, M. E., & others. (2022). ICF Core Sets for the assessment of functioning of adults with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 64, 569–577. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15104

Orlandi, S., House, S. C., Karlsson, P., Saab, R., & Chau, T. (2021). Brain–computer interfaces for children with complex communication needs and limited mobility: A systematic review. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 15, 643294. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.643294

Pennacchia, J. (2022). Planning research with people who use AAC: Are we on the same page? AGOSCI In Focus, 51, 28–31.

Pennacchia, J. M., Bonyhady, G., Wong, S., Pacheco, C., Coghill, D., Granlund, M., & Imms, C. (2025). Making qualitative research accessible to people who have communication disability. Elsevier Ltd.

Pennacchia, J. M., Wong, S., Bonyhady, G., Pacheco, C., Coghill, D., Granlund, M., & Imms, C. (2025). Teams, tools, and time: A mixed methods study of workforce practices to identify mental health concerns in young people with complex communication needs. Disability and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2543055

Pennacchia, J., Østvik, J., Dutia, I., Walsh, M., Coghill, D., Granlund, M., & Imms, C. (2025). Assessing mental health of people with complex communication needs: A systematic review. Journal of Communication Disorders, 113, 106494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2025.106494

Quartermaine, J. R., Rose, T. A., Auld, M. L., & Johnston, L. M. (2024). Reflections on participation at home, as self-reported by young people with cerebral palsy. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 27(3–4), 69–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/17518423.2024.2347993

Ralph, E., Carroll, K., Danks, M., & Harvey, A. (2022). Development of a clinical framework for the assessment of upper limb function in children with cerebral palsy and dyskinesia. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 43(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/01942638.2022.2104149

Rutz, E., Novacheck, T. F., Dreher, T., Davids, J. R., McCarthy, J., Kay, R. M., Shore, B. J., Shrader, M. W., Veerkamp, M., Chambers, H., Narayanan, U., Pierz, K., Rhodes, J., Shilt, J., Theologis, T., Van Campenhout, A., & Graham, K. (2022). Distal femoral extension osteotomy and patellar tendon advancement or shortening in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: A modified Delphi consensus study and literature review. Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics, 16(6), 442–453. https://doi.org/10.1177/18632521221137391

Rutz, E., Sclavos, N., Thomason, P., Passmore, E., & Graham, K. (2024). Foot drop after gastrocsoleus lengthening for equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy. Gait & Posture, 112, 183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.03.005

Sclavos, N., Thomason, P., Passmore, E., Graham, K., & Rutz, E. (2023). Foot drop after gastrocsoleus lengthening for equinus deformity in children with cerebral palsy. Gait & Posture, 100, 254–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2023.01.007

Shields, N., Bhowon, Y., Prendergast, L., Cleary, S., & Taylor, N. F. (2024). Fostering positive attitudes towards interacting with young people with disability among health students: A stepped-wedge trial. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(6), 1212–1219. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2193429

Shields, N., Willis, C., Imms, C., McKenzie, G., van Dorsselaer, B., Bruder, A. M., Kennedy, R. A., Bhowon, Y., Southby, A., Prendergast, L. A., Watts, J. J., & Taylor, N. F. (2022). Feasibility of scaling up a community-based exercise program for young people with disability. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(9), 1669–1681. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1903103

Shields, N., Willis, C., Imms, C., Prendergast, L. A., Watts, J. J., van Dorsselaer, B., McKenzie, G., Bruder, A. M., Taylor, N. F., & FitSkills Partnership Project Group. (2020). FitSkills: Protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial of a community-based exercise programme to increase participation among young people with disability. BMJ Open, 10(7), e037153. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037153

Shore, B. J., McCarthy, J., Shrader, M. W., Graham, K., Veerkamp, K. M., Rutz, E., Chambers, H., Davids, J. R., Narayanan, U., Novacheck, T. F., Pierz, K., Dreher, T., Rhodes, J., Shilt, J., Theologis, T., Van Campenhout, A., & Kay, R. M. (2023). Anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis in children with cerebral palsy: Establishing surgical indications and techniques using the modified Delphi method and literature review. Journal of Children's Orthopaedics, 17(3), 292–294. https://doi.org/10.1177/18632521231172993

Smith, M. G., Farrar, L. C., Gibson, R. J., Russo, R. N., & Harvey, A. R. (2023). Chronic pain interference assessment tools for children and adults who are unable to self-report: A systematic review of psychometric properties. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(8), 1029–1042. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15535

Smith, N. (2024). Chronic pain assessment for young people with cerebral palsy: Moving beyond pain intensity. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 66(5), 554–555. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15771

Smith, N. L., Gibson, N., Bear, N., Thornton, A. L., Imms, C., Smith, M. G., & Harvey, A. R. (2024). Measurement properties and feasibility of chronic pain assessment tools for use with children and young people with cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2362398

Smith, N. L., Gibson, N., Imms, C., Thornton, A. L., & Harvey, A. R. (2025). A core outcome set to assess chronic pain interference and impact on emotional functioning for children and young people with cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.16325

Smith, N. L., Smith, M. G., Gibson, N., Imms, C., Thornton, A. L., & Harvey, A. R. (2023). Pain coping tools for children and young adults with a neurodevelopmental disability: A systematic review of measurement properties. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(3), 318–328. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15410

Smithers-Sheedy, H., Waight, E., Swinburn, K. L., Given, F., Hooke, K., Webb, A., McIntyre, S., Henry, G., & Honan, I. (2023). Evaluation of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for adults with cerebral palsy and anxiety and/or emotion regulation difficulties: A randomised control trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13010001

Stewart, K., Lewis, J., Wallen, M., Bear, N., & Harvey, A. (2021). The Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy Functional Impact Scale: Development and validation of a new tool. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 63(12), 1469–1475. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14960

Surkalim, D. L., Luo, M., Eres, R., Gebel, K., van Buskirk, J., Bauman, A., & Ding, D. (2022). The prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 376, e067068. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-067068

Thevarajah, A., Wallen, M., Imms, C., Lonsdale, C., Carey, J. J., & Froude, E. H. (2023). Impact of adapted bicycle riding on outcomes for children and adolescents with disabilities: A systematic review. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(4), 456–468. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15446

Tonmukayakul, U., Willoughby, K., Mihalopoulos, C., Reddihough, D., Mulhearn, B., Carter, R., Robinson, S., & Chen, G. (2024). Development of algorithms for estimating the Child Health Utility 9D from Caregivers Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities. Quality of Life Research, 33(7), 1881–1891. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-024-03661-9

Toovey, R. A. M., Harvey, A. R., McGinley, J. L., Lee, K. J., Shih, S. T. F., & Spittle, A. J. (2022). Task-specific training for bicycle-riding goals in ambulant children with cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 64(2), 243–252. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15029

Tornivuori, A., Kallio, M., Culnane, E., Pasanen, M., Salanterä, S., Sawyer, S., & Kosola, S. (2024). Transition readiness and anxiety among adolescents with a chronic condition and their parents: A cross-sectional international study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 80(2), 756–764. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15860

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Funding

This program was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). We are extremely grateful for this funding, which has enabled the successful completion of the program.

Partnerships

CP-Achieve worked in partnership with the following organisations

• Royal Children’s Hospital Campus
• Australian Catholic University
• Deakin University
• La Trobe University
• Monash University
• Western Sydney University
• The University of Sydney
• The University of Queensland
• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Melbourne: Melbourne Disability Institute
• McMaster University: CanChild
• Jonkoping University
• CHILD
• Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Lead Researcher

Professor Dinah Reddihough, Principal Research Fellow, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)

Chief Investigators  

Professor Susan Sawyer, Chief Investigator, Geoff and Helen Handbury Chair of Adolescent Health at The University of Melbourne, Director Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children’s Hospital, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Professor David Coghill, Chief Investigator, Financial Markets Foundation Chair of Developmental Mental Health Departments of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.

Professor Christine Imms, Chief Investigator, Participation Theme Lead, Apex Australia Foundation Chair in Neurodevelopment and Disability at the University of Melbourne and The Royal Children’s Hospital, and Healthy Trajectories Child and Youth Disability Research Hub Founding Director.  

Professor Rob Carter, Chief Investigator, Health Economics Theme Lead, Foundation Chair in Disability Economics, Melbourne Disability Institute, The University of Melbourne. 

Professor Nora Shields, Chief Investigator, Workforce Theme Lead, Research Director at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University. 

Professor Prue Morgan, Chief Investigator, Team 2 Lead, Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist and Immediate prior Head of Department, Physiotherapy, Monash University 

Associate Professor Margaret Wallen, Chief Investigator, Consumer Involvement Theme Lead, Honours Coordinator for Occupational Therapy, Australian Catholic University 

Dr Ingrid Honan, Chief Investigator, Research Fellow, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Institute 

Professor Kerr Graham, Chief Investigator, Honorary Professorial Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne

The CP-Achieve webinar series was designed to share knowledge, promote connection, and engage people with an interest in improving the lives of young people with CP. The sessions highlighted impactful research from CP-Achieve, our collaborators, and leaders in the field, and featured insights from people with lived experience, families, clinicians, and researchers.

The series provided a platform for open discussion, learning, and collaboration, fostering stronger connections between research, practice, and the CP community. All webinars were recorded and made freely available to ensure accessibility and ongoing impact. 

You can view the webinar recordings below.

CP-Achieve YouTube channel

Watch Double Vision: Seeing Family-centered Care from the Medical and the Parental Perspective