Pictured: Professor Jonathan Carapetis and Professor Andrew Whitehouse at the Western Australian of the Year Awards 2023.
The Kids Research Institute Australia autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse has been named this year’s Western Australian of the Year in the HBF Professions category.
The Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at The Kids and The University of Western Australia and Director of CliniKids was announced as the recipient of the prestigious award at Crown Perth last night.
Professor Whitehouse has generated research advances that have transformed clinical care for the approximately 500,000 Australians on the autism spectrum. He led the development of the first Australian guideline for the diagnosis of autism and, more recently, the first Australian guideline for supporting autistic children. These guidelines have created major policy reforms and higher standards of clinical support across the nation.
Professor Whitehouse led a research team which provided the first evidence globally that a parent-led therapy applied very early in life could significantly reduce the disability experienced by babies displaying the early signs of autism. The findings have prompted a worldwide move towards providing therapies several years earlier than previous clinical practice – a proactive approach in helping babies now, rather than waiting for an autism diagnosis to start therapy.
Professor Whitehouse is also an accomplished science communicator whose popular 60 Second Science autism research video series, regular media appearances and articles in The Conversation have helped to improve scientific knowledge about child development and transform community perceptions about autism.
Professor Whitehouse’s work has been recognised with multiple awards, including a 2017 Eureka Prize. He was named the youngest-ever Fellow of the prestigious Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences in 2021 and was also a 2023 finalist for WA’s Australian of the Year.
Professor Whitehouse said he was humbled to be named Western Australian of the Year among such a high calibre field.
Every bit of recognition goes to the extraordinary team I'm lucky enough to work with, and the kids and families who let us into their lives and share their joys, laughs, tears, and triumphs – what a privilege that is. - Professor Whitehouse
The Kids Research Institute Australia Director Professor Jonathan Carapetis congratulated Professor Whitehouse on his latest accolade.
“Andrew is a true innovator, driven by a passion to make a difference for children and families living with autism. He challenges paradigms and makes sure that evidence translates into practice,” Professor Carapetis said.
“He leads a wonderful team of researchers and practitioners who provide immediate benefit to these families, but also a platform to advocate for themselves.
“And of course, Andrew is one of the great science communicators we have. He brings the latest science to people throughout our community in a way that is approachable and entertaining.”
