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Research

Several 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.

Research

Many clinicians in New Zealand do not follow guidelines for best practice in autism diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the processes that health professionals in New Zealand follow when diagnosing autistic children and adults. We asked 117 health professionals from a range of services and regions in New Zealand, how they identify and diagnose autism.

Research

Autism spectrum disorders are complex, with a strong genetic basis. Genetic research in autism spectrum disorders is limited by the fact that these disorders are largely heterogeneous so that patients are variable in their clinical presentations. To address this limitation, we investigated the genetics of individual dimensions of the autism spectrum disorder phenotypes, or autistic-like traits. These autistic-like traits are continuous variations in autistic behaviours that occur in the general population.

Research

Child temperament and caregiver psychological distress have been independently associated with social-emotional difficulties among individuals with autism. However, the interrelationship among these risk factors has rarely been investigated.

People

Occupational Therapist

Find out more about Psychology services at CliniKids.

Consultation appointments are one-off clinical appointments to discuss the best next steps for supporting children’s strengths and support needs. These sessions are available for families and professionals.

This small group program helps children crack the code of emotions and friendships through an animated ‘secret agent’ theme.

The Kids Research Institute Australia is involved in a new multi-site Australian study, led by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, which wants to determine the optimal level of iodine needed during pregnancy for baby’s development.

Find out about many of our previous research studies and trials, and those that are ongoing but are no longer recruiting participants.