Research
Our research is about the early identification and diagnosis of autism, and early supports for children, parents/carers, and families.
We aim to develop new understanding and improve community services to genuinely benefit autistic children and those who care for them.
We value and prioritise research that works with community. We have developed strong partnerships with experienced autistic researchers and people with lived-experience who are new to doing research, including autistic adults, parents and non-parents, and community professionals working in a range of disciplines and sectors.
Our Research Focus Areas
Early Supports for Infants and their Families
Evaluating the benefits of early supports for infants and young children, including those delivered in-home with parents/carers, and those run as group services in- and by community.
Community Consultation on Acceptable Early Autism Supports
Asking community—autistic and non-autistic adults, including parents and non-parents, professionals and other researchers—their thoughts above and experiences of very early autism supports.
Parent and Caregiver Well-Being
Understanding the experiences of parents and caregivers of autistic children—including their own mental health and well-being—in general, and at key transition points such as when children start school.
The Specific Experiences of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Families
Seeking understanding of the experience of early supports for CALD families, including any barriers to accessing assessments and supports, and pathways to effective advocacy.
Current Opportunities
We invite families to participate in our research. Get in touch to learn more about particular studies we are running, or general ways you may be able to get involved. Specific research currently underway includes:
Volunteer for a ‘practice’ Autism Assessment
Purpose of volunteering: Participate as a volunteer in a training workshop and help to train clinicians. Clinicians are learning new skills in using the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). Because this is a learning environment, we are not able to provide a diagnostic assessment. All volunteers will receive a $30 voucher.
Who Can Participate: Children aged 2.5 years, with some language, through to teens and adults (with or without autism).
What’s involved: Attend La Trobe University, Bundoora campus, on the set days below and participate in practice ADOS assessment:
Who we need and when:
- Tuesday April 15th – children aged 2.5 – 5 years with some language.
- Thursday April 17th – children, teen and adults, aged 5 years and up.
Families will receive a $30 thank you voucher.
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please contact Alex, adostrianing@latrobe.edu.au.
Family Well-Being as Autistic Children Transition to School
Research Goal: To understand factors affecting family well-being as autistic children transition into primary school.
Who Can Participate: We are keen to hear from families with autistic children who are starting school in 2025 or 2026.
What’s involved: Sharing experiences about your child, family, and community twice:
- Before your child starts school (time involved: 1-1.5 hours)
- Middle of the year (time involved: ~30 minutes)
For More Information: Read our Participant Information and Consent Form
To Get in Touch: Contact Dr Cherie Green, Psychology c.green@latrobe.edu.au
Project Ethics Approval Number: HEC24393
Families’ Experiences of PlayConnect+
Research Goal: Supporting Autism Queensland and the State and Territory Playgroup Organisations, we are evaluating the PlayConnect+ program. These playgroups are run across Australia for children aged 0-8 years who have a neuro-developmental condition or disability, and their carers/families. PlayConnect+ is free and open to families across Australia, at community centers or online. To find a group in your area or online, please see PlayConnect+.
Who Can Participate: We are speaking to any parent/carer attending a PlayConnect+ Playgroup about their PlayConnect+ experience.
What’s involved: Sharing your experience of attending a Playconnect+ group (eg. face-to-face, school holiday program, or online):
- We will meet you online via Zoom, to ask you some questions about PlayConnect+, and also about your family.
For More Information: Read our Participant Information and Consent Form
To Get in Touch: Contact Alex Aulich, a.aulich@latrobe.edu.au
Project Ethics Approval Number:
Other Research In Progress
Research underway but not currently seeking new families to get involved.
The Communicating and Understanding your Baby Study (CUBS) is looking at a program that supports very early communication between mothers and their newborn babies, where there is autism or other neurodiversity in the family. Through this study—led by CliniKids— we want to understand whether this program improves parents’ confidence and babies’ language and social development.
This study is almost finished. We are just following up the last families who got involved in 2020-2023, now that their babies are toddlers. To learn more, visit CUBStudy at CliniKids.
Get in Touch
If you interested in research opportunities or have any questions, please get in touch with Alex, our Senior Project Coordinator— a.aulich@latrobe.edu.au—or share your details via our Contact Form and we will be in touch when something suitable comes up for you.