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: Adolescents and adults with Asperger's Disorder/high functioning autism : needs, issues and service requirements
Status: Currently Recruiting Participants!
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: Currently Recruiting Participants!
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: Currently Recruiting Participants!
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: Exclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from mainstream schooling: effects of the Disability Standards
Status: In progress
Primary researcher: Melanie Gorman
Institution(s): Flinders University
Project summary: The questionnaire and interview will form part of my honours research in social work. The thesis, entitled ‘The effect of the Disability Standards for Education (2005) on exclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders from mainstream schooling’ aims to look at the impact since education standards were introduced by the Australian Federal Government in August 2005, and how they are upholding the philosophical underpinning values of inclusive education for children. The focus is primarily on the impacts for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, but will also identify any broader related family issues in the course of the research.
Eligible participants: Parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who are attending or have previously attended mainstream schooling.
Further information: Download Information Sheet
Date posted: March 2011 ID: PP201101
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 21 September 2011
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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.
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Enhancing emotion recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders:
The evaluation of the impact of animated children’s series designed to enhance emotion recognition and social understanding in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Research participation: We are offering children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages of 4 and 8 an opportunity to participate in an enjoyable study. The project seeks to evaluate the impact of animated children’s series designed to enhance emotion recognition and social understanding in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Participants will undergo a baseline assessment ( 45 mins duration) which includes subtests from the Wechsler Scales of Intelligence and brief emotional recognition tasks. Parents will be given either a Transporters (DVD) or episodes of Thomas The Tank Engine specifically selected for their emotional content and social stories. A guide is also provided to help with consolidation and generalisation of learning. The same emotion recognition measures will be used for testing after three weeks (30 mins). On completion of the study all participants will be given The Transporters DVD to keep. Please click here for more details.
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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.