CDKL5 Australia

Advancing research. Supporting families. Fighting CDKL5.

Together, we're driving breakthroughs, improving lives, and building a brighter future for everyone affected by CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder.

Working together for change

Working alongside Australian families, paediatric clinicians, and international research bodies including the International Foundation for CDKL5 Research.

  • Sydney Children’s Hospital
  • Children’s Health Queensland
  • The Kids Research Institute Australia

Support

Practical guidance for families navigating diagnosis, hospital stays, schooling, and the day-to-day of complex care. Information you can hand to a clinician or a grandparent.

  • Newly diagnosed roadmap
  • Hospital and specialist directory
  • Parent buddy connections
Find support

Research

A clear, current picture of where CDKL5 research stands: what trials are open, what registries exist, and how Australian families can participate.

  • Plain-language research updates
  • Clinical trial signposting
  • SMAC-reviewed information
See research

Cure

Working towards better treatments and a cure, by connecting Australian families to international research and clinical trials.

  • International registries
  • Trial access in Australia
  • Research signposting
Explore trials

What is CDKL5?

A rare genetic condition that begins in the first months of life.

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is caused by changes in the CDKL5 gene, which produces a protein essential for normal brain development. Most children present in early infancy with hard-to-control seizures and significant developmental delays.

Every child with CDD is different. Some learn to walk, others use wheelchairs. Some find their voice in spoken language, others communicate through eye-gaze, gesture, and assistive technology. What most families share is that the path is long, the team is large, and information is scarce.

This site is one place to start.

Early-onset seizures

Most children begin having seizures in the first months of life. Many seizure types are difficult to control with standard medications.

Developmental delays

Significant delays in motor skills, communication, and learning. Each child develops at their own pace.

Complex care needs

Most children require lifelong support across feeding, mobility, communication, and medical care.

Accelerating research. Improving outcomes.

Connecting families. Advancing hope.

We don't run trials ourselves. We help Australian families find them, understand them, and join them when appropriate.

View research
  • 1 in 40,000

    Estimated global prevalence of CDKL5 deficiency disorder

  • ~5×

    Growth in registered cases on the IFCR Connect registry since 2020

  • 2026

    CDKL5 Australia incorporated as a community association

Get involved

  • Newly diagnosed?

    Practical first steps and support when you need it most.

    Start here
  • Join the community

    Connect with other families, share experiences, and find support.

    Stay connected
  • Connect with research

    Explore trials, updates, and family-facing research resources.

    Learn more

Stay updated

Research updates and family resources by email.

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