Autism Research

The Autism Research Team investigates the early identification and intervention of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a wide range of methodologies, including molecular genetics, neuroscience, endocrinology, behavioural experiments and clinical trials.

The team comprises over 40 researchers from a variety of backgrounds (psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, genetics, education, nursing, neuroscience), and are funded through grants from the NHMRC, ARC, NIH and other competitive research funding bodies. The team collaborates with over 200 researchers from around the world, and is a prominent partner within the Autism Cooperative Research Centre.

The team is also committed to the translation of scientific knowledge, as demonstrated through our work in scientific communication ('60 Second science' web series, viewed by over 1.5 million people), our leadership on national policy (led the development of the Australian Guideline for ASD Assessment and Diagnosis), and the development of CliniKids (Telethon Kids' new clinical research centre for infants and children with developmental disorders). 

Our Autism Research Team is focused on conducting research on the most pressing issues facing the Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) community through:

• Improving lives by discovering acceptable, feasible and effective/efficacious methods for reducing the disability associated with autism.
• Connecting research outcomes to policy by working with the State and Federal Governments to develop evidence-based policy for individuals with autism.
• Developing research infrastructure by creating a research base that can be connected to international research efforts.
• Building a community and developing ways for the autism community to connect in a positive and beneficial way.

Team Highlights

• The completion and publication of the first Australian clinical guideline for ASD assessment diagnosis, which was endorsed by the NHMRC council in July 2018.
• Completion of the Australian Autism Biobank, Australia’s largest repository of biological information collected form children with ASD and their families (>5000 biospecimens). 
• Establishment of CliniKids, Telethon Kids’ new clinical-research facility for infants and children with developmental disorder.
• Publication of over 15 peer-reviewed papers;/year, including many in high-ranging journals (e.g., Pediatrics, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Nature Communications).