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Research Requests

Aspergers Victoria regularly receives requests from researchers to advertise opportunities for our members to be participants in their research projects. Listed below are current projects. Please ensure you investigate the requirements carefully before deciding to be involved.

If you are a Researcher and have an authorised research study that is relevant to what we do, our members and which may be appropriate for us to publicise on our website, please complete the Research Request form and send an email to the Research Requests Co-ordinator with a copy of the research project that you want publicised through us and a copy of the ethics approval associated with the research. We will consider your request and respond to you as soon as possible. We would also appreciate you forwarding us the report or summary at the end of your project, so we may inform our members of the outcome of the research projects they may participate in.

Current Research seeking participants

Understanding Camouflaging/ Masking in Autistic Adults

This research aims to understand how individual and social factors influence camouflaging/masking and wellbeing.

Who is doing this research?

  • Team of researchers led by Dr Iliana Magiati, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology and Dr. Diana Tan, a posdoctoral research fellow from the School of Psychological Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA)

Who can participate?

  • Autistic adults aged 18 years and above, who can self-report and complete an online survey.

What does participating involve?

  • Online self-report survey lasting about 45-60 minutes; reimbursement provided upon survey completion.

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

Recruitment closes: August 31 2021

The role of anxiety in the transition from university to employment

Who is doing this research?

  • Tamara Hildebrandt under supervision of Dr Kate Simpson and Assoc. Professor Dawn Adams

Who can participate?

  • Young adults who have graduated from university in 2019, 2020 or will graduate in 2021

What does participating involve?

  • Completing an online survey (approx. 20 minutes)
  • Participate in an online video interview with a researcher. (Note: The interview will be scheduled at a convenient time for you and will last approximately 1 hour)

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

Closing date: 30 July 2021

Autistic parents' experiences of home-school partnerships

Who is doing this research?

  • Macquarie University: Professor Liz Pellicano, Dr Aspasia Stacey Rabba, Dr Jodie Smith, Dr Poulomee Datta, Dr Melanie Heyworth, Dr Rozanna Lilley, Ms Gabrielle Hall.

Who can participate?

  • Autistic parents who also have a child/children with a diagnosis of autism, who are currently engaged in education, including in kindergarten, primary school, high-school or home-schooling.
  • Young autistic people themselves, if possible.
  • Teachers who educate children with a diagnosis of autism.
What does participating involve?
  • Individual interviews will be completed with each participant. 
  • Interviews can be done via Zoom, on the phone, in writing or face-to-face (if feasible). 
  • Parent interviews will take ~45 minutes. Child and teacher interviews will be shorter. 
  • All participants will be reimbursed for their time. 

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

*Please note that this study is only recruiting in Victoria and New South Wales.

Closing date: October 2021

KNOWING ME, KNOWING YOU: UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN AUTISTIC AND NEUROTYPICAL TEENS

Researchers at LaTrobe University are investigating how autistic and non-autistic teenagers think about their social world and how this interacts with their mood. We hope to understand how different teens understand and engage in their world; along with what sort of thinking and behavioural processes they use in their day to day lives.

Who is doing this research?

  • Daniel Berends, with Prof. Kristelle Hurdy and Dr Cathy Bent at La Trobe University

Who can participate?

  • Autistic and non-autistic teens aged between 12 and 17 attending mainstream school, and a parent/guardian

What does participating involve?

  • Teens and their guardians complete separate online surveys. These will take approximately 30 minutes.
  • Survey participants will have the chance to win a $20 voucher!
  • Participants can also opt to be selected for an interview (1 hour via Zoom). This will follow the survey topics and be done with a parent. Participants selected for interview will receive a $30 voucher as a thanks for their time.

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

Recruitment closes: early 2022 (Jan-Feb)

The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis on the Lived Experience of Females Diagnosed in Adulthood

This study aims to discover the impact of an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis on the lives of adult females.

Who is doing this research?

  • Dr. Nerelie Freeman and Marianna Van Loon (Monash)

Who can participate?

  • Females over 18 who have been diagnosed with ASD in adulthood

What does participating involve?

  • Participants will participate in a semi-structured online interview which will take approximately one hour.

Where can I find further information?

Recruitment closes: August 2021

Understanding how young people navigate the social world

Given the negative impact that social communication difficulties and anxiety can have on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing, there is a great need for more research to determine the reasons underpinning these difficulties and to develop effective support.

This study will allow us to develop a clearer picture of young autistic people's experiences of the social world, and to inform ways of creating more accommodating environments for young autistic people to thrive.

Who is doing this research?

  • Simon Brett, Professor Liz Pellicano and Professor Jennie Hudson from Macquarie University will be conducting this study. 
  • International collaborator, Professor Bhismadev Chakrabarti from the University of Reading, United Kingdom is also involved in the study. 

Who can participate?

  • We are looking for young people aged 12-17 years, living in the Sydney area, with and without a clinical diagnosis of autism to take part in our study.

What does participating involve?

  • Language and reasoning tests
  • Computer games related to the study
  • Questionnaires for parents

Young people will either be seen at Australian Hearing Hub (Macquarie University Campus) or at Macquarie University.

Where can I find further information?

To find out more about the study and register to participate:

Closing date: The end of August 2021

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia in Children on the Autism Spectrum

This study evaluates a brief non-pharmalogical intervention to improve your child's sleep. 

Who is doing this research?

  • Dr Michelle Short, the chief researcher at Flinders University

Who can participate?

  • 7-12 year old children with an autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring sleep problems (insomnia)

What does participating involve?

Participation will involve:

  • A telephone screening interview
  • Completing questionnaires
  • Monitoring your child's sleep with sleep diaries
  • Attending 3 individual therapy sessions, which will be conducted over the internet via Telehealth

There is no cost to participate in the program.

Where can I find further information?

If you would like to receive more information about the study via email, or to arrange a time to complete the screening interview, please contact Dr Michelle Short at sleep.autism@flinders.edu.au.

Closing date: June 2022

This is me: Exploring how inclusive music workshops can support mental health and quality of life in autistic children and young adults

Music making and singing in groups is a great way for children and young people to socialise and work together. We are running a series of 10 music workshops as part of a research project to learn more about how music making helps social connections and wellbeing. The research is funded by The University of Melbourne and the workshops are offered free of charge.

Who is doing this research?

  • Grace Thompson (lead investigator), Melissa Raine, Susan Hayward and Katrina Skewes McFerran) 2019. 
  • Melbourne Disability Initiative (MDI) Seed Funding Grant, University of Melbourne

Who can participate?

  • Children aged between 10-12 years (or in grades 5 and 6) with a diagnosis of autism
  • Children who would feel comfortable to participate in a small group of 10
  • No music training is needed to participate 

Children with auditory sensitivities may not wish to participate. The workshop facilitators will have excellent knowledge of working with autistic children, and you are welcome to enquire further with our team.

What does participating involve?

Participants will be part of a group that will play musical instruments together with support from a group facilitator.

Workshop details

  • Starting date: To be announced
  • Places are limited - contact us ASAP
  • Venue: Keon Park Children's Hub, 1-7 Dole Avenue Reservoir, Victoria 3073

Where can I find further information?

Closing date: June 25 2021

Person-first versus identity-first language: Informing client-centred care

There has been previous debate about the appropriate way to address and refer to people with a disability or health condition, with relation to the use of person-first language (e.g. person with a disability) and identity first language (e.g. disabled person), and whether the use of person-first versus identity-first language is considered more or less appropriate for use by people with different roles, such as: a person with a disability/chronic illness, a medical or allied health professional, a family member or carer, the media, a person of the general population, an educator or a researcher. This research will assess whether person-first or identity-first language preference is dependent on disability or health condition severity or disability identity, as well as any association between person-first or identity-first preference and quality of life. This research is important to expand the understanding about how people with disabilities or chronic health conditions prefer to be referenced, as well as factors that may influence preferences.

Who is doing this research?

  • Dr Lisa Grech and Dr Amanda Olley from Monash University (Lisa) and Charles Sturt University (both)

Who can participate?

  • People who self-identify as having a disability or health condition, regardless of the type of disability or health condition.
  • The research is open to all people of an age and/or capacity that enables them to understand the requirements and complete the online survey.

People without a disability or health condition, including family, friends and carers of a person with a disability or health condition, are not eligible to participate. 

What does participating involve?

  • Participants are asked to complete a questionnaire that will take approximately 20-40 minutes. 
  • The questionnaire can be completed at a time that suits you from a location of your choosing, provided you have access to an internet connection. 
  • The questionnaire will ask about your preference for use of person-first and identity-first language, as well as questions about your level of acceptance and how much you identify with your disability or health condition, as well as about your quality of life.

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

Recruitment closes: October 31 2021

The experiences of autistic people in job interviews

Researchers at La Trobe University are looking for autistic people who want to participate in a study that involves sharing their experiences in job interviews. They want to understand whether autistic people feel like they can be themselves in job interviews and whether or not autistic people feel like they need to hide their autistic identity. Furthermore, they would like to determine how the interview process can be improved to better support autistic people in job interviews.

Who is doing this research?

  • Dr Rebecca Flower, Dr Darren Hedley and Mikaela Finn at La Trobe University

Who can participate?

  • You are aged 18 years or older
  • You are an Australian resident
  • You have a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (including any of the following diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, Asperger’s disorder, PDD-NOS or autistic disorder)
  • You have attended a job interview as a job candidate in the past two years (by phone, video meeting, or in person)

What does participating involve?

  • We will ask you to participate in a one-on-one interview online via Zoom. 
  • In this interview you will be asked questions about your previous job interview experiences and what it was like for you. You will be asked questions about whether you felt you could be yourself during the interview or whether you felt the need to change anything about yourself, and why. You will also be asked what you think could be changed to make job interviews more inclusive of autistic people.
  • The interview is expected to take approximately 60 minutes (one hour) of your time.
  • At the start of the interview, you will also be asked to present evidence (by holding paper/phone up to camera) of your diagnosis, including a report or email from the clinician who gave you the diagnosis. If you do not have any documentation of your diagnosis (or are undertaking the interview online via audio only and are unable to show evidence by turning on a webcam), several quick questions will be asked about your diagnosis instead. The researcher will then ask a few demographic questions prior to commencing the interview. From this point onwards, the audio and video of this interview will be recorded.
  • You will be reimbursed with a $40 Coles-Myer voucher for your time. 

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

If you have any further questions, contact Dr Rebecca Flower:

Study closes: October 2021

Factors Contributing to Higher Education Success

Researchers at La Trobe University are seeking volunteer research participants to be involved in a study about the higher education experiences of students in Australia and New Zealand.

We're wanting to learn more about the predictors of success, and barriers to accessing supports for students with, and without, neurodiverse conditions such as autism, Aspergers, ADHD, and dyslexia. It is expected that this research will contribute to improving the supports provided to neurodiverse students in higher education, and thus increase their opportunities to succeed in their education.

Who is doing this research?

  • Lyndel Kennedy and Professor Amanda Richdale at La Trobe University
  • Neurodivergent advisors are providing guidance on this research project.

Who can participate?

  • You are currently enrolled at a university, technical and further education (TAFE), institute of technology and polytechnic (ITP) or postsecondary college in Australia or New Zealand, (currently studying or deferred) or
  • You were studying at a university, technical and further education (TAFE), institute of technology and polytechnic (ITP) or postsecondary college in the past five years.
  • You are aged 18 years or older
Please note, you do not need to have a neurodiverse condition to participate.

What does participating involve?

  • Complete an anonymous online survey, using your own computer or device
  • The survey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Will I be paid to take part in the research study?

There are no costs associated with participation in this research study, nor will you be paid. However, you may choose to enter into a one-in-five chance draw to win an AUD$25 (for Australian residents) or US$20 (for New Zealand residents) Amazon gift voucher on completion of the survey.

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

Study closes: December 31, 2021

Autistic Adults' Perspectives on Education & Intervention

We are trying to get feedback from autistic adults regarding common intervention goals, practices, and procedures so that we can ensure all autistic children are receiving supports that are in line with what the community wants and needs.

Who is doing this research?

  • Rachel Schuck, Mian Wang, Kaitlynn Penner (all at UCSB)

Who can participate?

  • Autistic adults (formally diagnosed or self-identified) over 18

What does participating involve?

  • The study is an online survey, which includes multiple choice and open-ended questions. 
  • The survey takes between 15-40 minutes depending on how detailed you want to make your answers

To participate in the study:

Where can I find further information?

Study closes: July 2021

Personal safety at home and in the community - comparing the experiences of autistic and non-autistic adults

The purpose of this study is to investigate the victimisation experiences of autistic adults and risk/protective factors associated with such victimisation. A secondary aim is to gather information about experiences of autistic people who report victimisaiton to police.

Who is doing this research?

  • Vicki Gibbs, Prof Liz Pellicano and Prof Jennie Hudson

Who can participate?

  • Autistic adults (18 and over)

What does participating involve?

  • The project consists of completion of a 20 to 30 minute online survey. Autistic adults who have experienced victimisation can opt into a follow up interview which would take approximately 45 minutes.

    To participate in the study:

    • Email Vicki Gibbs vicki.gibbs@hdr.mq.edu.au for the survey link.
    • Interviews will be conducted at a mutually convenient time online via Zoom or Facetime.

    Where can I find further information?

    Study closes: June 30, 2021

    Self-compassion and emotion regulation in Autistic adults

    This study is to investigate if there is a relationship between autistic adults' level of self-compassion and mental health outcomes.

    Who is doing this research?

    • Ru Ying Cai and the research team at Aspect.

    Who can participate?

    • Adults (18 years or over). No other demographic requirements.

    What does participating involve?

    • Participants will be asked to complete a 15 minute online survey. They can also sign-up to an optional interview. 
    • Interviews will be conducted via telephone or video call (whichever option the participants prefer).

    Where can I find further information?

    Study closes: July 31, 2021

    ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS & AUTISM

    Researchers at Deakin University are interested in what helps and what damages romantic relationships among autistic individuals. We believe this may help inform a program to support autistic people to develop better romantic relationships.

    Who is doing this research?

    • Researchers at Deakin University

    Who can participate?

    • If you are at least 18 years old and:
    • You are autistic (you do not have to have current or previous relationship experience to take part); or
    • You are currently in or previously had a relationship with an autistic individual,

    What does participating involve? 

    • We ask if you would participate in an online survey about your romantic and possibly sexual relationship experiences, as well as your personality traits. This survey may take up to 45 minutes to complete.
    • You may enter a draw to win 1 of 20 Amazon gift cards valued at $20 (AUD) upon completing the survey
    • If you completed the survey during our first round of advertising and would like to be retrospectively entered into the prize draw, please email Ying at ryew@deakin.edu.au to let us know.

    To take part in the survey, go to: https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/.../SV_1AoTIZpXUJR40Zv

    Where can I find further information?

    Study closes: December 2022

    THE NEEDS OF AUTISTIC GIRLS & WOMEN BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY (UTS)

    To better understand the needs of autistic girls and women in Australia, we want to ask autistic women and girls (including cis, trans, non-binary, gender diverse etc) what they think are important areas for research. 

    This is an autistic led project that will only include autistic people. 

    This information will be used to develop an autistic-led research agenda for autistic girls and women. 

    Who is doing this research? 

    This research project is being led by an advisory group of autistic adults, with a range of backgrounds and experiences. 

    This group is working with Dr Rachel Grove from the University of Technology Sydney, who is a psychologist and researcher with a focus on autistic women and girls. 

    I am the research assistant for this project, and will be the person contacting participants and conducting the interviews. I am also autistic. 

    Who can participate?

    • Adults who are over the age of 18 and live in Australia 
    • Girls who are over the age of 7 and live in Australia

    What does participating involve? 

    • We are conducting interviews with both autistic women and girls (including cis, trans, non-binary, gender diverse etc)  
    • Both the autistic women and girls will be asked to: 

    1.      Complete a 10 minute background questionnaire 

    2.      Participate in a 1 to 2 hour interview 

    • This project is designed by autistic women. You will be interviewed by an autistic woman.  

    To participate in the study:

    Please email us if you are interested: autistic.womenandgirls@uts.edu.au

    Study closes: May 2021

    Latrobe University, THE CUB STUDY: COMMUNICATING & UNDERSTANDING YOUR BABY

    A randomised-controlled trial of a behavioural intervention for optimising social and communication development of newborns with a genetic link to ASD, ADHD or Intellectual Disability.

    The study commences in the third antenatal trimester of pregnancy and continues until the child turns 2 years of age.

    Who is doing this research?

    • CAPTeam - Childhood Autism Phenotype Team, at La Trobe  University

    Who can participate?

    • Pregnant women whose baby has a family history of Autism, ADHD, or Intellectual Disability

    What does participating involve? 

    The CUB study participation involves being randomised into one of the two study groups.  50% of participants will be allocated the developmental monitoring group, while the other half will be allocated to the intervention group.  

    This research is investigating a new program that runs from the third antenatal trimester through to when the baby is 8 months of age. Through this randomised control trial, we are exploring whether this program may help parents understand more about their baby’s early social and communication skills, and in the process assist their baby’s development.  All participating babies will receive developmental monitoring as part of the trial.

    Where can I find further information?

    Study closes: December 30, 2021

      Monash Uni - coping with life events 

      Monash Uni are seeking adolescents, their parents and teachers for a study on how they are coping with life events.   

      Who can participate?

      • Adolescents aged 12-18 years with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum.
      • Parents and teachers of the adolescents. 
      What does participating involve?
      • Completing a series of rating scales.  
      Where can I find further information?

      Study closes: End of July 2021


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