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 about and experiences of very early-in-life 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 workshop we are running to train clinicians to use the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2); a complex play- and conversation-based assessment. Because this is a training environment, we are not able to provide a diagnostic assessment, but offer all volunteers a $30 voucher in thanks for their time.
Who Can Participate: Almost anyone! Young children aged 2.5 years and older (who have some language), including older children and teens. Adults may also volunteer for an assessment. Volunteers may be Autistic, otherwise neurodivergent, or neurotypical. Every volunteer provides a unique experience for our trainee clinicians.
What’s involved: Attend La Trobe University, Bundoora campus, for about one hour, on a given training day (usually scheduled during school holidays):
Who we need and when:
- Tuesday mornings or afternoons (during some school holidays): Children aged between 2.5 and 5 years old, who have some language.
- Thursday mornings or afternoons (during some school holidays): Any speaking child aged 5 years and older, including teens and even adults.
If you are interested in volunteering to support professional training, or would like to learn more, you can register your interest with us or contact our ADOS Training Manager, Alex: adostraining@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 during 2026.
What’s involved: Sharing experiences about your child, family, and community twice:
- Once, before your child starts school (time involved: 1-1.5 hours)
- Again in the middle of the year (time involved: ~30 minutes)
For More Information: Read our Participant Information and Consent Form
To Get in Touch: Contact lead researcher, 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 PlayConnect+. This program of supported playgroups runs right across Australia, for children aged 0-8 years who have a neuro-developmental condition or disability, and their carers/families. PlayConnect+ is a free community program open to families across Australia, at community centers or online. To find a group, please see the national PlayConnect+ program site.
Who Can Participate: For our research, we are speaking to any parent/carer attending a PlayConnect+ playgroup, to hear about their experience.
What’s involved: Sharing your experience of attending a PlayConnect+ playgroup (including face-to-face, online, and school holiday program groups):
- We will meet you online via Zoom, to ask you some questions about PlayConnect+, and also about your child/ren and family.
For More Information: Read our Participant Information and Consent Form
To Get in Touch: Contact our Project Manager, Alex: a.aulich@latrobe.edu.au
Project Ethics Approval Number: HEC24045
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 research—led by CliniKids—we want to understand whether this program improves parents’ confidence and babies’ language and social development.
Direct project work is finished for this study; we have recruited all families and followed the babies into toddlerhood. We are now analysing the data and preparing findings for publication. 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 our Project Manager, Alex—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.