Search
Research
Comparative analysis of outcome measures used in examining neurodevelopmental effects of early childhood anesthesia exposureThis paper reports on data from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study to examine whether exposure to anesthetics in children younger than 3...
Research
Is the broad autism phenotype in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder exacerbated by the challenges of caring for their children?This qualitative study of parental interviews provided a preliminary examination of whether behaviours consistent with the BAP may have been exacerbated by...
Research
Brief Report: Further Evidence for a Link Between Inner Speech Limitations and Executive Function in High-Functioning Children with AutismThis study investigated the involvement of inner speech limitations in the executive dysfunction associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Research
MACROD2 gene associated with autistic-like traits in a general population sampleThe MACROD2 gene is a strong positional candidate risk factor for autistic-like traits in the general population
Research
Caregiver broader autism phenotype does not moderate the effect of early caregiver-mediated support on infant language outcomesCaregiver-mediated supports in general have shown mixed evidence for enhancing language outcomes in infants at higher likelihood of autism. While caregivers play a substantial role in caregiver-mediated supports, little is known about whether caregivers' own subclinical autistic features - known as broader autism phenotype - may moderate infant language outcomes.
Research
Characterizing the Nature of Alexithymia in Autistic Adults: Validation of the Perth Alexithymia QuestionnaireAlexithymia—a trait characterized by difficulties in emotion processing—is of high interest in the autism field. However, the lack of validated alexithymia measures for autistic individuals limits progress. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the psychometric properties of the Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire (PAQ) across autistic and non-autistic samples. Using the PAQ, we investigated how alexithymia manifests in autistic individuals and its links with poor mental health outcomes (anxiety).
Research
Co-occurring Neurodevelopmental Conditions in Children: Advocating for Transdiagnostic Approach to AssessmentsApproximately 8% of all children experience developmental and mental health conditions. Similarities in characteristics across neurodevelopmental conditions-such as difficulties in communication and language, social interaction, motor coordination, attention, activity regulation, behavior, mood, and sleep-make it challenging to attribute these characteristics exclusively to specific diagnoses and assessments. The purpose of this study was to identify symptomatic domains across neurodevelopmental conditions in children and to explore dimension reduction for transdiagnostic assessment.
Research
Community perspectives on the appropriateness and importance of support goals for young autistic childrenResearchers do not know much about what autistic adults, parents and professionals think about support goals for young autistic children. People's views of support goals might also be influenced by their beliefs about early support more generally. This survey involved 87 autistic adults, 159 parents of autistic children and 80 clinical professionals living in New Zealand and Australia.
Research
The first six months of life: A systematic review of early markers associated with later autismThere is now good evidence that behavioural signs of autism spectrum conditions (autism) emerge over the first two years of life. Identifying clear developmental differences early in life may facilitate earlier identification and intervention that can promote longer-term quality of life. Here we present a systematic review of studies investigating behavioural markers of later autism diagnosis or symptomology taken at 0-6 months.
Research
Improving the Journey Before, During and After Diagnosis of a Neurodevelopmental Condition: Suggestions from a Sample of Australian Consumers and ProfessionalsThe current study used a transdiagnostic approach to explore experiences of consumers and professionals on how the process of assessing and diagnosing neurodevelopmental conditions can be improved.