The Cerebra Network

19/08/2026

We're excited to announce that the Cerebra Network is now on Instagram! Follow us to stay connected with the latest research, insights and resources from our team https://www.instagram.com/cerebranetwork

14/08/2026

Our Cerebra Network co-lead Dr Jane Waite recently had the opportunity to speak at the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 7th European Congress in Munich, Germany.

Dr Waite shared findings from across the Aston team in a presentation titled 'Longitudinal Risk Factors for Anxiety in Children and Adults with Severe to Moderate Intellectual Disability'. It was a fantastic chance to share our work and learn from other researchers, self-advocates, and parents and caregivers.

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10/08/2026

🎙️ Episode 3 of the Research to Reality in Rare Syndromes Podcast is now live!

Why do some children show behaviours that challenge, and what might those behaviours really be communicating?

In this episode, Dr Marie Dunnion speaks with Dr Stacey Bissell and Dr Kelly Wade about hidden drivers behind self-injury, aggression, and emotional outbursts.

They discuss how factors such as pain, sleep, and mental health can influence behaviour, and share research-informed insights into how we can better understand and support children.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oCZQ8k5PpBNQvDo2xwisk
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-3-behind-the-behaviour-whats-really-driving/id6790391259?i=1000781917246

05/08/2026

Last weekend, members of the Cerebra Network had a wonderful time attending the 2026 Family Conference hosted by Angelman UK

We had a great time speaking with families and discussing some of the exciting research projects we have taking place over the coming year. A particular highlight was Rachel Martlew’s talk, where she shared the latest updates on our research in Angelman syndrome.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us. We always value the opportunity to connect with the Angelman community, and we're looking forward to sharing more updates as our research progresses!

27/07/2026

🎙️ Episode 2 of Research to Reality in Rare Syndromes is now live!

Sleep can be a daily struggle for children with rare syndromes, and the impact can be felt by the whole family. In this episode, Dr Rory O’Sullivan and parent carer Leeann Stevenson share insights from research and lived experience. Leeann discusses her family’s experience of severe sleep difficulties linked to her child’s diagnosis of Smith-Magenis Syndrome, and together they explore practical strategies and resources that can help support better sleep and wellbeing for children and their families.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/68CDRwrRO0oZsjG2vvuZe7
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-2-sleep-challenges-in-children-with-rare/id6790391259?i=1000778515105

16/07/2026

Members of our team had a fantastic time attending the Kleefstra Syndrome UK Conference 2026 in Cheshire a couple of weekends ago.

We had a great time speaking with families, sharing our latest research findings, and discussing current opportunities to get involved in research.

A huge thank you to all the families who took the time to speak with us, and to everyone involved in organising such a fantastic event. We really appreciated the opportunity to connect with the Kleefstra syndrome community - and even came away with a raffle prize!

13/07/2026

🎙️ Our first episode is now live!

We're excited to launch the first episode of "Research to Reality in Rare Syndromes".

Sleep can make a big difference to a child's wellbeing, but for many families of children with rare syndromes, getting a good night's sleep isn't always easy.

In this episode, Professor Caroline Richards and Dr Rory O'Sullivan discuss what their research reveals about sleep and share practical, evidence-based strategies to support better sleep and wellbeing.

✨ Practical, expert advice to support your child's sleep and wellbeing.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

🔗 https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sPVTygbxr9kDqRxODVRGO
🔗 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-when-sleep-doesnt-come-easily-supporting/id6790391259?i=1000776581730

09/07/2026

08/07/2026

🎙️ The Cerebra Network is excited to announce that Research to Reality in Rare Syndromes is coming later this month.

This new podcast series will bring together researchers, professionals and parent carers to discuss the challenges, evidence, and practical solutions that can make a real difference to families' lives.

Stay tuned for more updates and our first episode!