Autism CRC highlights for the year 2016

Published
3 Dec 2016

As 2016 comes to a close, we have taken a look back at a year of significant achievement and progress:

  • 54 participant organisations and individuals are working together across Australia and internationally to transform the lives of people on the autism spectrum researching practical, evidence-based solutions.
     
  • 50 research projects are underway across our three research programs: The Early Years, The School Years and Adulthood.
     
  • 28 PhD Scholars and Masters Students are working on CRC projects
     
  • 16 publications and 60 presentations were delivered.
     
  • CRC Researchers presented the latest autism research through eight public webinars across the year.
     
  • 17 Clinicians have graduated from the Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis
     
  • 27 autistic adults and autism researchers have graduated into the Autism CRC Research Academy. Our Research Academy members have co-produced a Visual Dictionary for Autism Research.   
     
  • 17 Inclusive Research Practice Guides and Checklists have now been developed to support autistic adults and autism researcher to work together as peers.
     
  • The first apps4autism Hackathon saw teams of autistic adults, developers and designers, and service providers working together to develop technology solutions from five CRC research projects.
     
  • The Autism and Agriculture project developed recruitment and career paths for adults on the spectrum in specialist animal care roles in two sites.
     
  • Almost 100 artists from across Australia shared their work in our art prize providing incredible insight into autistic strengths.
     
  • Australia’s first National Guideline for Autism Diagnosis is being developed in collaboration with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
     
  • Hundreds of families have contributed biological samples to the Australian Autism Biobank.
     
  • Over 500 primary healthcare professionals have been trained in a behavioural surveillance tool to enable earlier diagnosis of autism.
     
  • 134 classrooms across Australia are involved in the Education Research Program.
     
  • 272 parents and 414 school staff have joined a six-year study identifying the pathways to academic and social success at school.
     
  • At least 1,500 families have benefited from the Secret Agent Society Program during the past 12 months.
     
  • Social Skills Training Institute released Secret Agent Society Version 2 based on the latest social skills research and feedback from clinicians and families.
     
  • Almost 1,000 autistic adults have joined the two Longitudinal Studies for school leavers and older adults on the spectrum.
     
  • Two employment tools have been developed and trials completed to assist in career planning and long-term employment.

Thank you for your continued interest in the work of Autism CRC. We look forward to providing further updates on our progress in the New Year.