This page will offer you links to current research opportunities.

Coping skills for teenagers using a mobile phone program

The Monash University Centre for Developmental Psychiatry and Psychology is currently conducting research to investigate the mood and coping skills of young people aged 12 to 18 years with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s disorder. The research involves the young people trialling a mobile phone program that assesses these areas for two weeks and completion of some questionnaires by both the young people and a parent/guardian. Participants will be lent a mobile phone for two weeks and will be given a SIM card with $20 credit that they will be able to keep.This research is being conducted under the supervision of Dr Kylie Gray (Monash University), Dr Glenn Melvin (Monash University) and Dr Sophie Reid (Murdoch Childrens Research Institute).

View the flyer

For more information about being involved in this research project, please contact Angela Khor on 9902 4565 or via email: angela.khor@monash.edu.

Sensory Processing (Hearing, vision, touch) in Autism

Monash University and the Alfred are currently seeking volunteers for a research study into autism spectrum disorders. To take part, you must have a diagnosis of high-functioning autism or Asperger’s disorder and be aged between 10 and 60. This is a study to investigate sensory processing (hearing, vision, and touch) in ASD. Many people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reportedly experience significant difficulties in sensory processing (e.g., sensitivity to noises or lights), but there has been very little research into the cause of these difficulties.

This study involves completing a number of tasks assessing hearing, vision, and touch. Participants will also complete a series of questionnaires and tasks related to ASD and sensory experiences.  This research is being conducted at the Alfred, and involves attending two 2-hour sessions. Potential participants will be screened prior to their involvement in the study to ensure that they are eligible to take part. Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel costs.

View the flyer

If you (or your child) are interested in taking part, please contact Dr. Peter Enticott on 9076 6594 or peter.enticott@monash.edu .

The Female Profile of Autism

Who: Any Girls or Boys & Girls or Boys with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism AGED between 12 to 18 years. Purpose: We wish to understand the differences between boys and girls with High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Involves: Tests of cognitive skills and planning skills, as well as life skills. Benefits: Free IQ Assessment

Contact Ivanna Cox at iac@deakin.edu.au

Autism and Fashion : Do you dress to impress?

Who:  Any Girls or Boys & Girls or Boys with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism AGED between 10 to 15 years. Purpose: This is the first study in the world of Fashion choices, we want to understand what is important in the choices of clothing made by people with and without Autism. Involves: 15 to 20 minutes in a game based activity choosing clothes.

Contact Iskra Galic at igal@deakin.edu.au

  Girls with Autism and Friendship

Who: Any Girls or Boys with or without Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism AGED between 10 to 16 years and their parents. Purpose: Clinical work suggests there are striking differences in the way girls with autism develop friendships.  Therefore, we want to understand how children with Autism develop friendships, and what is important in friendship to these children. Involves: 15 to 20 minutes in a friendly interview and discussion with children and simultaneously with their parents. Benefits: Better understanding of friendship in autism

Contact Alex Head at alex.head@deakin.edu.au

Coping Stategies Used by Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Stress and coping are part of everyday life. For all young people the social environment causes stress, and this is particularly true for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). We are interested in hearing what young people with ASD have to say about how they cope with problems they have in their relationships, such as with friends and family. We would greatly appreciate your help with this. To thank those who volunteer, we are giving each participant a free movie pass.This research is inviting male's between ages 12-18 years with High Function Autism or Asperger's Syndrome are invited to particpate in this research project.

View the Invitation

Most Effective Models of Practice in Early Intervention for Children with ASD

Department of Health & Aging
Jacqueline M.A. Roberts - The University of Sydney Margot Prior - The University of Melbourne

A Review of the Research to (July 2006)

Swinburne BabyLab Autism Spectrum Disorder Sibling Project

Research has discovered that individuals with ASD show differences in some brain activities. Are such differences also observable in the infant siblings of those with ASD. The answer to this question could lead to a better understanding of ASD and how we manage such disorders. If you have a baby (aged 2-14months) as well as a child (of any age) who has been diagnosed with ASD we would like to invite you and your baby to participate in our research.

Register your interest online at www.BabyLab.org or call (03) 92148822

Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc)

Brain Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) are currently conducting research into brain function and potential new treatments in autism spectrum disorders.

Brochure
Contact Information                         
Research Update for Feb 2010           

Research Update for July 2010

Research Update for January 2011

Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre

This is Australia's first centre dedicated to research into Autism Spectrum Disorders, loated within LaTrobe University. The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) was established to advance knowledge of the nature and causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as to develop and study evidence-based strategies for supporting children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Visit the website for more information and subscribe to the newsletter "Another Piece"

Growth in Boys with Autism

This study is examining overall growth in boys with autism, it's relationship to hormone levels, bone and ligament development, and degree and form of autistic behaviours. this growth data will be used to identify possible subgroup within the autism spectrum.

View the information flyer

Contact Cherie Green on 94793271 or email c.green@latrobe.edu.au

Research Project on Adolescent Sleep

For children aged 14-17years with a diagnosis of Asperger's disorder or high-functioning autism

Contact Emma Baker on 94793271 or ek4baker@students.latrobe.edu.au

Autism Victoria

Autism Victoria maintains a Research section on their website. You can also look at Current Projects that they have listed, find out more about their Autism Research Group and find out How To Get Involved.