Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies

Each year in 1 in 20 children in WA is born with a developmental anomaly. This may contribute to ongoing childhood health problems, disability, and in some cases, death.

The Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies (WARDA) maintains a record of babies and children diagnosed with developmental anomalies before the age of 6. It brings together 2 previous registers – the WA Birth Defects Registry and the WA Cerebral Palsy Register.

What is a developmental anomaly?

A developmental anomaly is a broad term for conditions which are present at conception or occur before the end of pregnancy. In the case of cerebral palsy, a small number of these anomalies also occur after birth.

Developmental anomalies are also sometimes called birth defects, congenital malformations or congenital anomalies.

Read more about developmental anomalies.

What developmental anomalies does WARDA record?

Developmental anomalies recorded by WARDA include:

• spina bifida
• congenital heart defects
• cystic fibrosis
• fetal alcohol syndrome
• Down syndrome

Read about some of the more common developmental anomalies that WARDA records (external site).

Please note that these lists do not list every developmental anomaly and many less common anomalies are not listed.

Tracking developmental anomalies in WA

Why information is collected

The information held by WARDA is used to:

• monitor developmental anomalies in WA
• plan, monitor and evaluate services for the prevention, screening, treatment and management of developmental anomalies
• gather and publish information about developmental anomalies
• research the causes of developmental anomalies.

How long have records been collected?

Records of developmental anomalies have been collected in WA for over 30 years.

Recording developmental anomalies is compulsory in WA

After consultation with health professionals, consumers and the community, the reporting of developmental anomalies was made compulsory by the State Government in 2011.

For more information read the Health (Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies) Regulations 2010 (external site).

More information

• Phone the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies on 6458 2735.

Remember

• WARDA maintains a record of babies and children diagnosed with developmental anomalies before the age of 6.
• Reporting of developmental anomalies was made compulsory by the State Government in 2011.
• Recording this information guides research and helps to investigate causes, prevention and management of developmental anomalies.

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.