This intermediate-level pre-congress course introduces healthcare leaders and professionals to the principles and methods of implementation science—the study of how to effectively translate research evidence into everyday clinical and organizational practice. Despite substantial global investment in health research, most findings fail to reach practice, limiting their impact. Through the Knowledge to Action Process Model, participants will learn evidence-based strategies to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, design sustainable improvement initiatives, and evaluate outcomes. Led by an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, the course combines theory with practical examples and hands-on exercises to help participants begin to develop a tailored blueprint for implementing meaningful change in their own service settings.

Facilitated by Andrea Cross, Kim Hesketh, Rachel Teplicky and Vanessa Tomas from the CanChild Centre for Childhood-onset Disability Research team.

• An evidence interdisciplinary based approach
• Drawing from real life experience
• How genetics and medications may be changing the field.

Facilitated by the Galway Neurodevelopmental and CAMHS team in conjunction with Prof Katrina Williams (Monash University)

This pre-congress course looks at the challenging area of the management of Obesity in young people with intellectual disability both traditional approaches and how new medications and genetics are changing this. Presentation of a case series and discussion of the nuances of management including the experience of those with lived experience.

Facilitated by the Galway Neurodevelopmental and Endocrine teams

You have the option to book Course 2 - A focus on behavioural management in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Course 3 - Management of Obesity in young people with an intellectual disability together. 

This pre-congress course brings together international expertise and lived experience to explore a lifespan approach to cerebral palsy. It will look at the development of physical and mental health needs in adulthood, access to adult health services, and the transition from paediatric to adult care. A focus on transition planning and empowering young people, alongside understanding the evolving needs of adults with cerebral palsy will highlight practical approaches to support people with cerebral palsy to thrive in adulthood.

Facilitated by the CP-Life Centre team – Royal College of Surgeons Dublin

This pre course session reviews the recent advances in neuromuscular treatments and the implications for clinical care and service planning.  It will explore the benefits and challenges of altered disease trajectory in spinal muscular atrophy and consider tailored service requirements with the advent of newborn screening in Ireland. It will consider the breadth of care for neuromuscular conditions in general, including the support of families through life altering diagnosis and decision making and the delivery of neurodevelopmental surveillance and psychosocial support in the context of complex network disorders.

Facilitated by the Children’s Health Ireland Neuromuscular team