Children's Health
What’s driving a surge in whooping cough cases among NSW children
Whooping cough diagnoses, which dropped dramatically during the pandemic, have escalated in school-aged children this year.
- by Megan Gorrey
Latest
New laws allow children to be removed from NDIS once reboot is ready
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten promised people with a disability they will get the help they need, as he introduced significant new powers for the National Disability Insurance Agency.
- by Natassia Chrysanthos
Sasha has a disease so rare, it doesn’t have a name
An ultra-rare genetic mutation has seven-year-old Sasha Lipworth regressing into infancy. Her diagnosis this month gives her a front-row seat to the future of medicine.
- by Angus Thomson
Experts urge overhaul of nutritional guidelines as kids skip fruit and vegies
Child health experts want Australia’s 32-year-old policy to be overhauled – including new taxes and marketing bans on unhealthy food – as growing numbers of young people fall outside normal weight ranges.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
What’s behind Sydney’s surge in children with pneumonia?
The number of children who presented to emergency departments respiratory illness climbed steeply in the holiday period – and is unlikely to slow down soon.
- by Megan Gorrey
Exclusive
Kids’ sport
Active children do better at school. So how do we keep teens in sport?
Researchers say teenagers need more opportunities for social sport, as a new study suggests those who stick with sport during high school reap academic rewards.
- by Mary Ward
Exclusive
Charity
In 2021, this cancer charity passed on just 9 per cent of donations directly to hospitals and families
A charitable foundation set up to help children with cancer has directly passed on less than 25 cents in every dollar. In 2021, the figure fell to just nine cents.
- by Max Maddison
Opinion
Pregnancy
I am a surrogate mother – the Pope should stay out of my life
Six years ago, I delivered a baby for two dads. They gained a much-loved child and all the parenting joy that goes with it. Together, we gained a lifelong extended family.
- by Sarah Jefford
‘Trying times for parents’ as waitlists for paediatricians blow out
Several large paediatric clinics in Melbourne are advertising they are unable to make appointments with new patients, while some desperate parents are booking consultations with specialists interstate.
- by Aisha Dow
Scientists developing AI test to detect autism in 10 minutes
An artificial intelligence-powered tool could offer hope to children and young people who currently have to wait years for a developmental disability diagnosis.
- by Amber Schultz
Terrified of fog and helicopters: What happens to children after bushfires
Trauma can impact children affected by natural disasters for up to five years but funding for a children’s psychological support program will run out next year.
- by Amber Schultz