How You Can Help

The best way to help in our research is to participate! 

Read

Follow this link to the study information sheet and read this carefully.  If you are interested in helping this research into the causes of cerebral palsy then: 

Enrol

Enrolling is easy - simply complete your details in the Enrol page of this website.  We will process your request as quickly as possible and send you the following:

• A detailed information sheet about the study
• A consent form for you to read carefully and sign
• 2 swabs for you and your child's sample (with clear instructions)
• A short questionnaire
• A reply paid envelope

Consent

When you receive your pack, carefully read the study consent form.  This will give you more details about the study and confirm that your information will be kept confidential at all times.  You are reminded that you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.  You may find the answer to any further questions you have in the frequently asked questions of this website.  If not, we are happy to answer your questions by phone on 1800–800-254 or email cerebralpalsy@adelaide.edu.au.  Sign and date your consent form when you are willing to proceed.

Participate

After consenting, read the swab instructions carefully. Use the swab with a red label to sample your child’s cheek cells and use the other for yourself.  Sampling takes approximately one minute and requires you to rub a cheek swab on the inside of your cheek and underneath your upper and lower lip.  It is important to use reasonable and firm pressure but not so much as to cause pain. 

Next complete the survey about yourself and the pregnancy of your participating child.

Mail your consent form, swabs and questionnaire back to the study team in the reply paid envelope provided.  If this envelope is misplaced, you can either contact us for a replacement envelope, or simply send it back to:

  The Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Study
  Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  University of Adelaide - Women's and Children's Hospital
  Reply Paid 60836
  NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006

If you are interested in hearing about the general results of our study you can choose to receive them by post. These are not anticipated until beyond 2011, and remember you will not be identified in any way in the results.