Research Projects

Why do research?

There is a lot of research being done that touches directly or indirectly on the Autism Spectrum.

Why should we get involved?

Most of the research projects need participants – generally, the more participants, the greater the chances of meaningful results. If the same few people were to get involved as subjects in every study, then the outcomes of the studies are all going to look the same. It will reflect just those few people: if you are not involved, it will not reflect you or your child or your special needs. So please, get involved where you can – it will help improve our knowledge and it may benefit you!

What projects are there?

A Rose Among Thorns: An Exploration of the Personal Growth That Comes From Parenting Challenges

Adults whose child has been diagnosed with a developmental impairment over six months ago, and co-parent with their committed partner of at least six months.

We are investigating the positive outcomes of mothers and fathers raising a child with special needs. The aim of this study is to find out what couple factors help some people reflect on their parenting challenges as a meaningful experience that provokes a reevaluation of what's important in life.

Other than the satisfaction of having helped to advance knowledge in the area there are no benefits to participants. Participants are able to request a summary of findings.

The survey can be completed at http://ow.ly/12dL7 OR interested parents can contact Shannon Strecker to obtain a hard copy and pre-paid return envelope.

Phone: 0416 750 489
Email: shannonstrecker@gmail.com

Project details updated 19.02.2010 (Closes 31.08.2010)

Foresight in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Primary school aged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (6-12 years of age)

This research is based on an original study by the investigator’s supervisor, Professor Thomas Suddendorf, which examined the development of foresight in ‘clinically normal’ children. The present study on ASD started in 2009 as the basis for the principal investigator’s honours thesis in psychology.

The Aim of this study is to continue the research started in 2009 in order to gain enough participants to provide a large enough sample to draw reliable conclusions about foresight in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Parents/ Guardians of the participants will first be asked to complete a scale that assesses the level of Autistic functioning of the child (CARS). Following this, participants are shown how to solve a simple puzzle and given the opportunity to solve it. Participants are then shown a second similar puzzle and given the opportunity to obtain a solution after a short delay. Participants are rewarded regardless of their choices. Participants will be asked why they selected what they did. A standard short measure of vocabulary (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test III) and of problem solving (Block design subsection of WISC IV) are also included.

Participation in the study will yield a simple indication of foresight abilities, as well as an estimate of mental age. This information can be provided to the carer. After participation, we de-identify the data and analyze it on a group level only.

Rowena Elliott
Phone: 0434 527 857
Email: rowena.elliott@uqconnect.edu.au

Professor Thomas Suddendorf
Phone: 3365 8341
Email: t.suddendorf@psy.uq.edu.au

Project details updated 19.02.2010 (Closes 01.06.2010)

Predictors of treatment choice by parents of autistic children

I am seeking parents of an autistic child from 2 – 12 years of age to participate in this study.

This study will aim to identify what influences parents to make treatment decisions for their autistic children. Aspects such as personality, locus of control, income, occupation and health professional’s recommendations will be explored as possible predictors of treatment choice.
Participation involves filling in an online questionnaire which should take approximately 25 minutes to complete. Responses will remain anonymous at all times and information provided will be kept confidential.

Other than the satisfaction of having helped to advance knowledge in the area there are no benefits to participants.

To be part of this study please go to the following web site: http://opinio.online.swin.edu.au/s?s=7293

If you have any questions regarding this survey please feel free to contact:

Veronica Sullivan
E-Mail: 6300189@swin.edu.au

Project details updated 04.11.2009 (Closes 01.10.2010)

Special Interests in Adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA)

Adults (over the age of 18) who have either Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism are invited to participate in this study.

The aim of this research is to investigate the occurrence, role and development of special interests in adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism. Another aim of this study is to investigate how adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism experience and react to stressful situations. As a participant of this study you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire which will take approximately 30 minutes.

After completing this survey participants may have a better understanding of the characteristics and development of their special interests and the circumstances under which they pursue them. However we cannot guarantee or promise that participants will receive any benefits from this project.

For further information and to participate in this questionnaire, please click on the website link below: http://www.deakin.edu.au/psychology/research/specialinterestsinAS.

If you have any questions regarding this study, please feel free to contact:

Dr. David Hamilton (senior researcher)
Phone: (03) 9244 6139
E-Mail: david.hamilton@deakin.edu.au.

Project details updated 21.07.2009 (Closes 28.02.2011)

The effect of the sibling relationship on ASD

Children with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder who are aged between 4 and 12 years old. Children who either have or do not have any siblings are required.

This research aims to understand if having siblings helps to facilitate social and cognitive skills in children with ASD. Children will participate in standardised assessments.

Participants will have their diagnosis confirmed with the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), the gold standard of autism research. Participants receive a report of the assessments which may be useful to family, educators etc. All aspects of the study are free to the participants. Children will receive a small gift as thanks for their participation.

Karen O’Brien PhD candidate
School of Psychology University of Queensland
Telephone: (07) 3346 7326
Mobile: 0430 063355
Fax: (07) 3365 4466
E-mail: k.obrien@psy.uq.edu.au
Web: http://www.psy.uq.edu.au/directory/index.html?id=1356

Project details updated 13.07.2009 (Closes 31.12.2010)

Researchers - If you would like to have your project listed on our site, please contact Dr Jill Ashburner jilla@autismqld.com.au and attach a copy of your ethical clearance letter.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view these files. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking the logo to the left. The download page will open in a new window.