Childhood indicators of adult outcomes: A longitudinal follow-up of the WA Autism Register

Investigators: Andrew Whitehouse, Gail Alvares, Keely Bebbington, Matthew Cooper

External collaborators: Jacob Gratten (University of Queensland), Patricia Howlin (University of London), Emma Glasson (University of Western Australia), Torbjorn Falkmer (Curtin University of Technology), Mirko Uljarevic (University of Melbourne), Scott Miller (Autism Association of WA), John Wray (Department of Health WA)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was first diagnosed in relatively large numbers during the 1990s, and studies of the condition across the lifespan are only now emerging. Understanding the developmental trajectories of children diagnosed with ASD, and how early behavioural and cognitive profiles may predict later outcomes, are critical for informing clinical decision making in order to optimise educational, vocational and psychosocial outcomes.

The current study aims to follow-up adolescents and adults who were registered to the WA Autism Register (Autism Register) when they were diagnosed with as children. Participants will be invited to contribute a range of information, including assessments of behavioural, cognitive and functional abilities, educational and vocational status, clinical interventions received, as well as a blood sample.

These data will be used to (1) document outcomes in terms of behavioural/cognitive, psychosocial and mental health factors; and (2) understand early life predictors of adolescent and adult outcomes in ASD, including behavioural, cognitive, psychosocial and genetic factors.