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The associations between autistic and communication traits in parents and developmental outcomes in children at familial risk of autism at 6 and 24 months of ageSeveral studies have explored relationships between parent broader autism phenotype and offspring communication, and have reported that autistic-like traits in parents are related to offspring communication difficulties and autism severity. However, past research has focused on studying such associations in childhood and we know very little about them in infancy. With accumulating evidence that interventions administered during infancy may be most effective in reducing ASD symptoms, it is imperative to examine whether relationships between parent autistic-like traits and child communication appear even earlier during this critical period of life.
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Comorbidities and quality of life in children with intellectual disabilityMany children with intellectual disability live with medical comorbidities. This study examined the impacts of comorbidities on quality of life (QOL) of children with intellectual disabilities and whether impacts varied with caregiver perceptions that medical needs had been met.
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Validation of a novel theory of mind measurement tool: The social robot video taskSocial communication difficulties in autism spectrum disorder have been associated with poor Theory of Mind (ToM), an ability to attribute mental states to others. Interventions using humanoid robots could improve ToM that may generalize to human-human interactions. Traditionally, ToM has been measured using the Firth-Happe Animations (FHA) task which depicts interactions between two animated triangles.
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Mental health difficulties among trans and gender diverse young people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Findings from Trans PathwaysRecent research highlights an overlap of gender diversity and autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, data on individuals who are trans and also on the autism spectrum are largely from clinical samples and may not be representative of individuals who are trans with ASD in the general population. In addition, there is scant literature on the mental health of these individuals and their experiences in accessing gender-affirming care.
News & Events
One-of-a-kind autism service offers new hope to familiesWestern Australian babies and children with autism and developmental delay will be able to access world-first therapies and interventions backed by the latest research, thanks a unique clinical service developed by The Kids Research Institute Australia.
News & Events
Launch of National Autism GuidelineResearchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia, working with the Autism CRC, have led the development of the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Australia which was launched today.
News & Events
Thinking big to tackle kids’ brain developmentIf there’s one thing modern researchers and health professionals now understand, it’s that for so many diseases and conditions affecting children and adolescents, early intervention is crucial.
News & Events
Australia’s first draft national guideline for autism diagnosis releasedAustralia’s first draft national guideline for autism diagnosis has today been released for public consultation.
News & Events
The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher awarded prestigious Eureka awardProfessor Andrew Whitehouse awarded the most prestigious award in the country for young researchers – the 3M Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science.
News & Events
Computer algorithm links facial masculinity to autismA new study led by The Kids Research Institute Australia has found a link between masculine facial features and autism.