The Value of Autism Research
Autism Spectrum Disorder attracts research interest around the world and there are several journals devoted to publishing research findings.
In Victoria, there is a lot of research being done by students and clinicians interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders. We encourage and support this valuable work. One way we do this is via the Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Reference Group, currently chaired by Associate Professor Cheryl Dissanayake of La Trobe University. The Reference Group convenes an Annual Research Forum held in November each year.
We strongly support the research being conducted into ASDs, especially here in Victoria, and in particular at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University (formerly the Research Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders), of which Dr Cheryl Dissanayake is the Director.
ASD researchers aim to find out more about the disorder in order to provide improved understanding and to develop effective therapies to help individuals affected by the condition.
Research projects can focus on medical issues, education, causes, interventions and other areas related to child and family needs and functioning. Projects may be large-scale, seeking to establish a cause, locate a gene, or trial a specific treatment, or they may be smaller-scale studies examining local issues, or anywhere in between.
Research findings may be presented at conferences and/or published in peer reviewed scientific, medical and educational journals. Some research findings get media attention, while others remain unpublished.
One aspect of Honours and post-graduate research is the important role it plays in developing the next generation of professionals. As more students become interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders they carry this interest and expertise into their working life as they becoming practitioners.
Become a Research Participant
In order to carry out their studies, researchers often need individuals with an ASD to participate in their research. Participation may involve being interviewed or surveyed, completing a set of activities, undertaking some form of assessment, or being involved in an intervention study or group program. Involvement could be one single session or you could be asked to complete tasks over several time points.
We maintain a database of individuals and families living with ASDs who are willing to assist researchers. Without the assistance of research participants, researchers would not be able to conduct their valuable work, which can help lead to breakthroughs in intervention and treatment programs, or bring us one step closer to establishing possible causes of ASDs.
If you are willing to assist, please sign up to the Research Participant Database by filling out this form. You will be asked for general information about yourself/the individual with an ASD and their family members. This register is maintained securely by Autism Victoria, trading as Amaze. It is not issued to any third party.
Autism Victoria trading as Amaze will forward you details of relevant studies on behalf of researchers and only those researchers you contact to express your interest will have access to your information. Participation in research is entirely voluntary and you can withdraw your consent to participate at any time.
Please note that you can be taken off the Register at any time by contacting us.
ASD Research Projects Currently Recruiting Participants
This is a listing of research projects relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders that are currently recruiting participants.
View ASD Research Projects Currently Recruiting Participants
If you have any questions about Research Projects, call us on (03) 9657 1618 or send us an email.
List Your Research Project
If you are involved in research in the field of autism, we encourage you to submit your research project to allow others in the research field to collaborate with you. Submit the details using the form below to apply to have your research project listed in the “Current Research Projects” listing outlined above.