35 years of thinking of the kids: how WA research is changing children’s health

For 35 years, one Perth-based research institute has been quietly changing the lives of children and families in Western Australia and around the world.

The Kids Research Institute Australia began with a vision to improve the health and development of every child through world-class research. Today, as it marks its 35th year, that vision has turned into an incredible legacy of impact.

From significantly improving quality of life for kids with Type 1 diabetes, to protecting newborns from dangerous viruses, The Kids’ work has fundamentally reshaped how children grow up in WA.

We’ve partnered with The Kids to explore just a few of the breakthroughs that have defined the last 35 years of ‘thinking of the kids’.

Transforming life with Type 1 diabetes

For children living with Type 1 diabetes, treatment once meant daily, painful insulin injections and limited independence. Researchers at The Kids’ Rio Tinto Children’s Diabetes Centre helped pioneer the use of insulin pumps in children, making this life-changing technology accessible to every WA child who needs it.

Their research uncovered the causes of hypoglycaemic seizures in children with Type 1 diabetes and, crucially, how to prevent them. Today, thanks to insulin pump therapy and ongoing innovation, kids with Type 1 diabetes are living safer, more active, and more independent lives than ever before.

Quinn Crouch was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at just 19 months old, but her mum, Kaitlyn, counts her family as one of the lucky ones. That’s because Quinn (and other newly diagnosed WA children with Type 1 diabetes), have access to the best insulin delivery technology at no cost.

“There is no good way for your child to become sick, especially with a condition as life changing as type 1 diabetes, but we’ve had the best experience, and so much support,” Kaitlyn said.

Protecting babies from RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common and serious causes of hospitalisation among young children. For 25 years, researchers from The Kids’ Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases have been part of a global effort to develop a safe and effective RSV vaccine. Their modelling research then provided the critical evidence needed to support WA’s nation-first RSV immunisation program, launched in April 2024.

This program saw 28,000 babies receive vital protection against RSV throughout winter last year, including 80 per cent of all newborns.

Jimmy Anderson was only five months old when he caught RSV. His dad, Ian, said it was horrific to watch his baby struggle to breathe as a team of doctors worked incredibly hard to help him. “It’s amazing knowing there is now a vaccine that can help other families not be exposed to the trauma we went through,” he said.

Early support for autism

For families of children with autism, early support can make all the difference. Three years ago, Jake Saunders would shake uncontrollably with nerves before school sporting events and suffer meltdowns whenever he lost. Today, the 11-year-old, who was diagnosed with autism just before he turned three, competes at State level in Little Athletics, thanks to learning strategies to cope with his anxiety.

His mum, Caroline, said Jake is now comfortable with winning and losing and always ready to congratulate his fellow competitors. Caroline believes the huge shift in Jake is thanks to a group program she took part in at CliniKids – an autism therapy and support service for young children at The Kids – that sought to help parents tackle anxiety in young autistic children.

“If it hadn’t been for the program, learning how to support him, I don’t think I would have had the tools or the energy to help him pursue Little Athletics.”

The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the country’s leading child health research organisations, dedicated to helping every child live their healthiest life. Based in Perth, The Kids turns world-class research into real-world impact for children and families across the globe. Visit the website to learn more.