Here is a list of current Autism Spectrum Disorder (and related) research projects approved by Autism SA or the Autism SA Professional Practice Committee. Some projects are looking for participants -- can you help? Contact the researcher direct for further information.
If you are a researcher and would like your project to appear on the Autism SA website, please go here.
Project title: Helping parents decide on treatment options for their child
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Nicole Grant
Institution(s): University of Queensland
Project summary:
This study aims to test the effectiveness of a web-based decision aid designed to help parents choose autism interventions for their child.
All participants will be sent questionnaires to complete and return via mail, and will be interviewed via telephone upon commencing the trial. Information collected will include current decision-making processes, level of confidence with regards to making decisions about treatment for your child, health literacy level and demographic data. An autism diagnostic tool will also be completed over the phone to confirm that your child meets the criteria for an autism diagnosis.The decision aid is on the Internet and consists of an interactive website which contains information about autism and autism treatment options. Participants will be asked to review the information on this website as many times as you like in the three (3) months after you are given the access details.
This advertisement has been reviewed and approved by the University of Queensland’s Behaviour and Social Sciences Ethical Review Committee and the Autism SA Professional Practice Committee.
Eligible participants: -- Parents of children aged under 7 who have been diagnosed with autism in the past 12 months and are receiving funding through the Helping Children with Autism package.
Further information: Download the Information Sheet and Consent Form
Date posted: March 2013 ID: PP201104-2(2013)
Project title: Adolescents with Asperger's Disorder and high functioning autism: experiences, needs and service requirements
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Debra Costley
Institution(s): Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Project summary: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is conducting a research project about the life experiences and support needs of adolescents with high functioning autism* and Asperger’s Disorder.
The goal of the project is to raise awareness and improve the kinds of services and supports offered to young people with autism spectrum disorders in Australia.
We would like to invite you to contribute to this research by completing an anonymous questionnaire.
The questionnaire will cover a range of topics including your health, your experiences of education and work, your friendships, and aspects of your daily life. You will have an opportunity to tell us about your hopes and plans for the future, and about the supports that you need to achieve your goals.
Eligible participants: Individuals aged 12-17 with a diagnosis of high functioning autism* or Asperger's Disorder, and their parents.
Further information: Download the Information Brochure (24kb PDF) or the Parent Information Sheet (25kb PDF)
If you would like to participate in this research, you can:
• Click here to access an online version of the adolescent questionnaire in Survey Monkey.
• Click here to access an online version of the parent questionnaire in Adobe Reader. If you do not already have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you will be prompted to download the program free of charge. (Please note than in some versions of Adobe Reader, you may need to scroll back to the top of the questionnaire to access the ‘Submit’ button when you have finished.)
• Contact Dr Debra Costley, General Manager, Education Development & Research on 02 8868 8502 or dcostley@autismspectrum.org.au to request a paper copy of either or both questionnaires. We will post this to you with a reply-paid envelope so that you can return it directly to us.
* High functioning autism’ means autism without an intellectual disability. If you are not sure whether you have high functioning autism, please contact Anthony Warren, ASD Consultant at Aspect, on 02 8977 8302 or awarren@autismspectrum.org.au for further advice.
Date posted: March 2013 ID: PP201304
Project title: The Lived Experience of Parents From a Multicultural Inner Regional Community and Access To Inner Regional Health Services
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Devayani Vadivelu
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary:
When Your Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The study aims to explore issues surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and multiculturalism from a cultural perspective, addressing the role culture may play in its diagnosis, treatment and access to inner regional health services in a inner regional multicultural community. Multicultural views of ASD such as family impact, social and political identity of ASD will be addressed. The majority of research into ASD has been conducted in affluent English-speaking countries which has extensive professional support services or in developing countries from a particular race or culture only. Whilst there has been several studies researched on ASD and multiculturalism, all of them were related to specific cultures. Given that Australia is a multicultural country, it is vital that issues are raised to gain a better understanding of the impacts of ASD on wider aspects of communities and especially in underserved areas.
The study will use plain English version as it involves working with multicultural communities.
This advertisement has been reviewed and approved by the Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee and the Autism SA Professional Practice Committee.
If you have any questions, please contact Devayani by emailing vadi0004@flinders.edu.au
Eligible participants: -- Parents from inner regional communities with multicultural backgrounds having children with ASD ranging in the age from 20 months to 87 months or appropriately 2 years of age to 12 years.
Further information: Download the Information Sheet and Consent Form
Date posted: February 2013 ID: PP201206
Project title: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Associate Professor Robyn Young
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary:
This project aims to find out how persons with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders are able to respond to questions where they need to take the perspective of others. Participants who are interested in being involved will be visited in their homes by a researcher* to complete the session. During the session, participants will watch short videos of interactions between people, and answer questions about what they saw. Each session will take approximately 1.5 hours. Participants will receive a $50 honorarium for their significant contribution to the project. Participation is voluntary and participants are free to withdraw at any time.
*The researcher will be accompanied by a chaperone to ensure safety
This advertisement has been reviewed and approved by the Flinders University Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee and the Autism SA Professional Practice Committee.
If you are interested in participating, please contact the researcher by emailing asdprojectflinders@gmail.com
Eligible participants: -- Individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and over 16 years of age.
Further information: Download Information Sheet (PDF 40kb), Download Consent Form - Parent/Guardian (PDF 20kb), Download Consent Form - Adult (PDF 20kb)
Date posted: January 2013 ID: PP201208
Project title: How Parents of Children with Autism Make Decisions About Which Intervention Approaches to Access
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Amelia Edwards
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary:
This project aims to find out how parents of children with autism make decisions about which interventions to implement with their child, and to see if current practices can be improved. Parents who wish to participate in this project will be interviewed about their experiences making decisions about interventions, and will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. The maximum time commitment is 2 hours. Participants will be sent an honourarium payment of $50 following the interview, along with the transcipt of the interview.
This advertisement has been reviewed and approved by the Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee and the Autism SA Professional Practice Committee.
Eligible participants: -- Parent of a child with autism. Your child was diagnosed with autism in the last 5 years.
Further information: Download Information Sheet (PDF 50kb)
Date posted: December 2012 ID: PP201207
Project title: Investigating the effectiveness of a peer awareness programme for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Attitudes of peers, learning environment perceptions, attendance and participation
Status: This project has been withdrawn by the researcher
Primary researcher: Dorothy Allison
Institution(s): Curtin University (WA)
Date posted: September 2012 ID: PP201202
Project title: Identifying the features of Autism Spectrum Disorder in adulthood
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Clare Holmes
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary: Current understanding of how the autism spectrum disorders presents in adulthood is limited. This project aims to identify the features of autism that are most relevant in adulthood to assist with adult diagnoses and to inform the development of adult diagnostic tools.
For more information or to select a time to participate you can download the Participant Information Sheet, or contact Clare Holmes by telephone (8201 7920) or email (clare.holmes@flinders.edu.au).
This advertisement has been reviewed and approved by the Social and Behavioural Research Ethics Committee of Flinders University and the Autism SA Professional Practice Committee.
Eligible participants: -- Individuals aged 18 years of age or older with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: August 2012 ID: PP201205
Project title: Early development concerns for females with late-diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Rachel Hiller
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary: Flinders University of South Australia is running research examining concerns parents may have held for their child's development, prior to their child's diagnosis of high-functioning autism. We are particularly interested in how these concerns may differ for parents of daughters compared to parents of sons. The study also examines strategies that your child may have used to cope with various social situations. If you would like further information please do not hesitate to contact the primary researcher, Rachel Hiller (rachel.hiller@flinders.edu.au) or supervisor, Associate Professor Robyn Young (robyn.young@flinders.edu.au).
Eligible participants: -- Parents of children who are currently aged between 6 and 17 years old, were diagnosed at or after the age of six years old, have a diagnosis of high-functioning Autistic Disorder, Asperger's, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder not-otherwise-specified. High-functioning Autistic Disorder is defined as having some verbal ability and no intellectual disability.
Date posted: August 2012 ID: PP201204
Project title: Improving the Identification of Young Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Using the Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC)
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
Primary researcher: Yong-Hwee Nah
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary: We are looking for Siblings of children with ASD aged between 12-36 months old and have some communication/developmental difficulties (but not ASD) to participate in my study.
We are trialling a behavioral screening tool to look at how your child behaves in a semi-structured play setting. It will be a one-time (1 hour) session which will be made up of the administration of a series of behavioral observations and developmental/adaptive assessment at the Early Intervention Research Program (EIRP) centre at Flinders University.
For more information and registration of interest, you can download the Participant Information Sheet or contact Yong-Hwee Nah at telephone: 8201 3998 or email: yonghwee.nah@flinders.edu.au
This advertisement has been reviewed and approved by Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee.
Eligible participants: -- siblings of children with ASD. –Age between 12-36 months old. –May have some communication/developmental difficulties (but not ASD)
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: March 2012 ID: PP201201
Project title: Adolescents and adults with Asperger's Disorder/high functioning autism : needs, issues and service requirements
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Anthony Warren
Institution(s): Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Project summary: Are you aged 18 or over with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism* or Asperger’s Disorder? You are invited to take part in an exciting new research project.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is conducting a research project about the life experiences and support needs of adults with high functioning autism and Asperger’s Disorder.
The goal of the project is to raise awareness and improve the kinds of services and supports offered to people with autism spectrum disorders in Australia.
Eligible participants: People aged 18 years and over with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism* or Asperger’s Disorder.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: October 2011 ID: PP201106
Project title: Have a Say in the Debate about Medication
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Belinda Minett
Institution(s): Deakin University, Victoria
Project summary: We are conducting an anonymous study about individuals and care-giver’s perspectives of medication used to manage behaviour and emotions associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We want to hear ALL people's views regardless of whether you use medication or not. There has been lots of debate about the use of medication by people with ASD. However, little is known about the perspectives of people with ASD and their care-givers. In this study, we want to find out what YOU think about medication. What you have to say is important to discussions about the best treatment alternatives. The study can be accessed at www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/autismstudy
Autism SA Disclaimer: Any participants who become concerned from participating in this study can contact Associate Professor Jane McGillvaray on 03 9244 6426 or Belinda Minett at bami@deaking.edu.au.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: October 2011 ID: PP201105
Project title: A life span perspective of Asperger syndrome: a phenomenological study which explores the life experiences of twelve adults with Asperger syndrome
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Matthew Bennett
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary: This project will explore the life experiences of adults with Asperger syndrome. The life experiences, which will be explored, include marriage, family relations, education, employment, health and welfare and self perceptions of Asperger syndrome. The adults recruited will be interviewed twice and each interview session will last between thirty-five to sixty minutes in length. In the first interview session the participants will be asked a series of questions about their life experiences. In the second interview session the participants will review their answers from the first interview sessions and will discuss some more of their life experiences. If you are interested, please download the information sheet and contact Matthew Bennett on 0431 154 925 or email benn0299@flinders.edu.au.
Eligible participants: People aged 18 years and over with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: September 2011 ID: PP201103
Project title: Stress, Anxiety and Depression in the Mothers of Children with Autism
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Nick Falk
Institution(s): University of Tasmania
Project summary: The purpose of the study is to investigate the predictors of depression, anxiety and stress in the mothers of autistic children. Existing studies have shown that mothers of autistic children show higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress than mothers of ‘developmentally normal’ children. These mental health problems can be both traumatic for the mother, and make it more challenging for them to follow behavioural management programs recommended for the child. A better understanding of the predictors of these problems will inform the development of effective treatment programs to provide support for this parental group.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: February 2011 ID: PP201102
Project title:
Gastrointestinal microbes in children with Autism
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Shakuntla Gondalia
Institution(s): Swinburne University of Technology (Vic)
Project summary: Research participants are required for a study investigating gastrointestinal microbes (bacteria and viruses) in children with Autism. The study aims to provide further insight into gastrointestinal symptoms sometime associated with autism such as constipation and diarrhea. The result will be used to inform the design of interventions (such as antibiotics and probiotics) to correct any underlying gastrointestinal distress.
Children who are aged between 2 and 12 years and have a diagnosis of Autism, as well as their typically developing siblings, are eligible to participate. From each participating child we require 2 faecal (poo) samples (collection kit provided) with an interval between samples of 2 months.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: December 2010 and updated February 2011
ID: PP201007
Project title: Predictors of stress in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Ian Firth
Institution(s): Charles Sturt University (NSW)
Project summary: This project will explore the predictors of stress in parents of children aged 4 to 12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current literature indicates that parents of children with ASD report higher levels of stress than parents of children with other developmental conditions/disabilities. Research also indicates that parental stress can reduce the effectiveness of intervention programmes for the children, and parental stress is positively associated with the severity of child behaviour problems. So, the level of stress experienced by parents is an important factor in assisting parents and their children with ASD.
The aim of the current research project is to identify the strongest predictors of parental stress in parents of children with ASD. This project will replicate previous research with regards to examining the relationship between parental stress and depression, parental ratings of child’s ASD severity, and child’s problem behaviours. In response to the current gap in knowledge in this area, this current project will extend previous research by examining whether specific measures of social interaction and empathy are predictors of parental stress. To do this, parental ratings of child’s social responsiveness and empathy will be examined in relation to parental ratings of their own stress. Parents will complete standardised psychological measures of parent’s stress, depression, and of their child’s ASD severity, problem behaviour, social responsiveness and empathy.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: October 2010 ID: PP201006
Project title: Investigating the effect of behavioural therapy on MU frequency oscillations in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Anna Moffat
Institution(s): Flinders University (SA)
Project summary: Research participants are required for a study investigating imitation ability in children with Autism. The study aims to provide further insight into how skills are acquired in this population. Children who are aged between 2.5 and 7 years and have a diagnosis of Autism are eligible to participate.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: August 2010 ID: PP201003
Project title: Prevalence and cross-cultural comparison of daytime sleepiness in adolescents
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Michelle Short
Institution(s): Flinders University (SA), LaTrobe Univertisy (Vic)
Project summary: Researchers from the School of Psychology at Flinders University are looking for volunteers to participate in a study looking at teen sleep patterns and well-being.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: August 2010 ID: PP201004
Project title: To examine the use of mindfulness training to manage anxiety in individuals with Asperger syndrome and autism
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Samantha Vincent
Institution(s): University of South Australia (SA)
Project summary: Not available
Further information: Not available
Date posted: July 2010 ID: PP201002
Page Updated 16 May 2013
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Research to detect marker of autism at birth
Is your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder 14 years or younger AND was born at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital SA?
Would you like to be part of a study to measure antibodies to the brain in the cord blood stored at birth?
For a mailout sheet, click here.
- Nutrigenomic investigation of the molecular determinants of autism with respect to the methionine pathway.
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Blood and cheek cell samples are needed from children aged 15 years of less diagnosed with autism and their non-autistic sibling(s). Your help would be greatly valued and will contribute to a growing body of South Australian-based research into autism. For for further information, please click here.