Research Requests
AV regularly receives requests from researchers to advertise opportunities for our community to participate in their research projects.
Each of the research studies listed below are current academic studies researching various aspects of the lives and experiences of individuals within our community.
They include information about the goal of the study, the participant eligibility criteria, what participation involves, and any remuneration or compensation for your time and input.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for any of the below studies and would like to participate, please click the link provided for that study to find out more or to register.
If you would like to know more about any of the studies, please contact the nominated researcher for more information.
Information for researchers
If you are an academic researcher seeking participants for a current study relevant to our community, we would love to promote your study on our website.
Please complete our research request form.
This form will ask you a series of questions about your study. Our admin team will use your responses to prepare a dot-point summary for upload to our website.
The form will also ask you to upload a PDF of your study's ethics approval. Please note that we cannot upload a study without an ethics approval.
When both of these steps have been completed, our research volunteer will be in contact with you to confirm that we have all of the required information and to advise you of the next steps.
All research requests are being processed by our Engagement Coordinator, which means that it may take a little longer for your study to be uploaded or for you to receive a response.
Studies currently seeking participants
The Sense Vest Trial
The study will be examining the effect, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of a sensory vest on autistic children's anxiety, sensory regulation, self-regulation ,sleep and physical activity.
Who is eligible to participate? 8-12 year old children formally diagnosed with Autism who have sensory challenges and anxiety. What does participating involve? Participation involves wearing either a placebo, or active vest for a minimum of 6 hours per day for a period of 3 months. Throughout this time caregivers will be prompted to answer a few short questions every 2nd day via an App, along with weekly questionnaires via email. Is travel required? Participants will be required for 5 on-site visits to Bundoora campus of La Trobe Uni, within approximately 4 months, to undertake assessments including movement based, pencil and paper and computer based assessments. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing the study? Each visit to La Trobe participants will be compensated with a $40 gift card, along with a final gift card worth $100 at the conclusion of their participation in the study. Participants assigned active vests will be permitted to keep them and those issued with placebo, will be offered 4 active vests free at the end of their participatory time. How will this research help the Autism community? This research will be able to substantiate (or not) currently untested claims made about sensory clothing. How can potential participants register to participate? Email sense.vest@latrobe.edu.au or call 9479 6834 Or compete this survey: https://redcap.latrobe.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=7HYXAWW9HALFAJCD Institution conducting this research La Trobe University, The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC)
Close Date: 30 September 2026 |  |
Exploring how neurodivergent people experience everyday travel in Melbourne
This study explores how Neurodivergent adults experience everyday travel and mobility in Melbourne. It examines how different urban environments, neighbourhoods and modes of transport shape people's experiences of moving through the city, including strategies people use to navigate potentially challenging or overwhelming travel environments.
University/ Institution/ Faculty conducting this study: The University of Oxford
Who is eligible to participate? Neurodivergent adults aged 18+ who have lived, worked and/or studied in Melbourne for at least one year and can provide informed consent. Participants May be formally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or self-identify as Neurodivergent. A formal diagnosis is not required. What does participating involve? Participants can choose one or more flexible activities: a 45-60 minute interview (Online or In-Person); a "go-along" of up to 60 minutes on a familiar journey; and/or journey mapping using a mobile app, completed independantly. Go-alongs may involve walking or public transport. Activities are flexible and can't be adapted to accessibility needs. Some discussions or environments may involve sensory overload, stress, fatigue or busy/noisy spaces related to public space. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing the study? All participants will receive a $50 AUD gift voucher as a thank-you for their time and contribution. The voucher will be provided through Prezzee, allowing participants to choose their preferred retailer. If travel is required, which location and how many times within what time period?Travel is not required for all participants. Interviews can be completed online. Participants who choose an In-Person interview or "go-along" will arrange a suitable location/route in Melbourne with the researcher. A go-along involves one familiar everyday journey of up to 60 minutes. How will this research help the Autism community? The research aims to improve understanding of how Autistic and other neurodivergent people experience everyday travel and urban environments. Findings may help inform future discussions and policy around accessibility, transport planning and urban design, with the aim of making cities and transport more responsive to neurodivergent experiences and needs. How can I register to participate? Potential participants can contact the researcher directly by email at eleanor.albin-clark@ouce.ox.ac.uk or by phone/text at +61 427 174 302. They will then receive further information about the study and can decide whether they would like to participate. |  Closing Date: 28 February 2027 |
Autism Across generations
We are conducting a survey study to better understand the impact of parental characteristics on the mental health and masking of autistic adolescents/youth.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: University of British Columbia
Who is eligible to participate? Autistic adolescents/youth and one of their parents. The autistic youth must be ages 13-21, live in Canada, USA, England, or Australia, must have a formal autism diagnosis, and no history of intellectual disability. The parent must live with the youth at least 3 days of the week. What does participating involve? The parent and youth will complete two one-time online surveys. The Parents survey takes 10 minutes to complete, while the adolescent survey takes approximately 15 minutes. The parent survey will include a background questionnaire and an autism traits questionnaire. The adolescent survey will involve a background questionnaire, as well as an Autism trait, mental health and masking questionnaire. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Participating families will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win one of ten $50CAD (or equivalent) e-gift cards. Is travel required? No travel is required. Surveys completed online. How will this research help the Autism community? Although autism has a strong genetic component and research highlights the benefits of autistic people interacting with other autistic individuals, little is known about families in which both a parent and child are autistic. Even less research has explored how having an autistic parent may influence the mental health and masking of autistic teens. By focusing on these relationships, this project seeks to bring forward the voices of autistic adolescents and their families. The knowledge gained can help inform more effective, affirming supports for autistic teens and their parents, ensuring that services are better tailored to their lived experiences and unique strengths. How can potential participants register to participate? Interested individuals can go to this link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4V20HTRZw8HJTfM |
Where can interested Individuals find more information? More information can be found by contacting Melissa Lazo: melilazo@student.ubc.ca Close Date: 31 December 2026 |
Parenting as an autistic adult: Challenges, Strengths, and support needs
This ethics-approved PhD project explores the parenting experiences, strengths, challenges, and support needs of Autistic adults. It includes interviews with Autistic parents and an online survey comparing Autistic and non-Autistic parents, with attention to Autistic fathers’ underrepresented perspectives.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: Deakin University, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health
Who is eligible to participate? Adults aged 18+ who are parents or caregivers and can read English.
Autistic fathers are especially encouraged to participate. What does participating involve?
Questions cover parenting, stress, family functioning, support needs, and Autistic parenting experiences, which may feel personal or sensitive. Participants may skip questions or stop at any time. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study?
Compensation details are provided in the Plain Language Statement. Is travel required? No travel is required. Participation is conducted online or remotely. How will this research help the Autism community? This research aims to improve understanding of Autistic parents' real experinces, strengths, challenges, and support needs. Findings may help inform more respectful, neuro-affirming parenting supports, services, and community resources. By including Autistic fathers and other underrepresented parents, the study may also help make future research and services more inclusive of diverse Autistic parenting experiences. How can potential participants register to participate? Potential participants can contact the researcher, Aida Karimi, by email at s223692188@deakin.edu.au to request the Plain Language Statement or further information about the study. |
Close Date: 15 February 2027 |
Establishing the Validity of Autistic burnout diagnosis using structured clinical interviews
The proposed study seeks to determine whether Autistic burnout represents a distinct clinical entity or if it falls within the spectrum of modd, anxiety and personality disorders. This study will investigate the whether Autistic adults who experience burnout meet the criteria for Autistic burnout, as defined by Higgins et al. (2021), or if their experiences align with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, BPD.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: Western Sydney University
Who is eligible to participate?
What does participating involve? A screening survey (15 mins), an intake survey (30 mins), 1 semi-structured Zoom interview (1 hour) Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? All participants will receive a $40 gift card. Is travel required? Travel is not compulsory, all aspects of study can be completed remotely. How will this research help the Autism community? The proposed study will address a gap in the literature by asserting the validity of Autistic burnout diagnostic criteria and screening tools. This study has potential to build clinician understanding of Autistic burnout and improve differential diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and clinical outcomes. How can potential participants register to participate? The screening survey can be completed by following this link: https://tinyurl.com/AutisticBurnoutClinInterviews Or by scanning the QR code. |
Close Date: 14 September 2026 |
cognitive impulsivity as a mediator between Autistic trait severity and substance use in young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
This study investigates whether impulsivity explains why young adults with ASD are at higher risk of alcohol and drug use problems. Participants complete three short gamified computer tasks measuring impulsive thinking and an online survey covering autistic traits, alcohol use, drug use, and gaming behaviour.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: Federation University Australia, Institute of Health and Wellbeing
Who is eligible to participate? Young adults aged 18 to 30 years who have a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified health professional, are able to read and understand English, and have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet to complete the online tasks. What does participating involve? Participation is fully online from home in one session, with no travel required. Participants complete three short gamified computer tasks (approximately 45 minutes) and an online survey covering autistic traits, alcohol and drug use, and gaming behaviour (approximately 15 to 20 minutes). The survey includes questions about substance use which some may find sensitive. Total time: 60 to 75 minutes. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Yes, all participants who complete the study will receive a $30 gift card as a thank you for their time. The gift card will be provided electronically upon completion of the study. No additional paperwork is required. | Is travel required? No travel is required. The study is conducted entirely online. How will this research help the Autism community? Autistic young adults are known to be at significantly higher risk of alcohol and drug use problems, but the reason for this has never been identified. If this study confirms that impulsivity is the mechanism linking autism to substance use, it will give clinicians a specific and treatable target for early intervention. Rather than simply telling autistic young adults to reduce their substance use, support workers and psychologists will be able to focus on building impulsivity management skills, which addresses the underlying cause. This could lead to more effective, targeted support programs specifically designed for autistic young adults. How can potential participants register to participate? Interested participants can contact the research team directly to express their interest and receive the study link once it becomes available. Please email Harleen Kaur at harleenk@students.federation.edu.au or Dr Natalia Albein Urios at n.albeinurios@federation.edu.au. Close Date: 15 December 2027 |
Emotional Neglect in Autistic Adults
Prior to this study, questions reflecting autistic adults' childhood experiences of emotional neglect were developed from interviews with autistic adults. This study will test how well the questions work and how responses relate to mental health, quality of life and close relationships, helping assess whether they offer useful insights into autistic adult wellbeing.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: Griffith University
Who is eligible to participate? We are looking for Autistic adults (18+) without intellectual disability who identify with experiencing childhood emotional neglect. Participation is open to individuals who self-identify as Autistic and individuals with a formal diagnosis who live in Australia. What does participating involve? Participation will involve completing a 40-minute online survey which can be completed on a desktop computer, tablet, or phone. You can stop the survey and come back to it at any time. The survey contains questions about emotional neglect in childhood, depression, anxiety, quality of life, emotional and social support, how you relate to others in relationships as an adult, questions about your social and communication characteristics and demographic characteristics (e.g, age, gender). Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Participants can choose to enter a prize draw for one of four $50 WISH gift vouchers. The first survey redirects to a different one to collect contact details for those who wish to enter the prize draw, and this data is not linked to responses on the main survey. The gift cards will be sent via email and SMS. Is travel required? No travel required. How will this research help the Autism community? This research aims to improve how emotional neglect in childhood is understood and measured for Autistic people, and how it relates to adulthood wellbeing, Most existing questionnaires about childhood experiences were not designed with Autistic individuals in mind, which means they may miss or misunderstand important parts of their experience. By developing and testing a more accurate and relevant measure, this research may lead to:
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How can potential participants register to participate? Potential participants can follow this link to the survey - https://redcap.link/CENsurvey For more information, email bonnie.ray@griffithuni.edu.au, or download the information sheet via the survey link. Close Date: 30 November 2026 |
understanding and predicting clinician use of therapy adaptations with autistic clients
Autistic people more often experience mental health difficulties than non-autistic people. Despite this, mental health services often fail to meet their unique needs. Making adaptations to therapy may help to improve this mental health care. This study aims to investigate clinician attitudes towards therapy adaptations, as well as factors that predict their intention to use these adaptations.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: Griffith University
Who is eligible to participate? Mental health clinicians (e.g., psychologists, counsellors, mental health OT's, psychotherapists) registered and working in Australia are eligible. What does participating involve? Mental health clinicians (including but not limited to psychologists, counsellors, mental health occupational therapists, psychotherapists) who are registered and working in Australia are eligible for this study. Participation includes a 30-minute surveym which can be excited at any time without penalty. Participants will be asked about own Autism identity, however this question has a non-response option. See information sheet attached to survey for further details. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Participants will have the option to enter into a prize draw for one of two $50 WISH vouchers and/or to receive summary of the study findings once completed. If participants elect to enter the draw or receive the summary, they will enter a separate survey and provide their email address for future contact. | Is travel required? No travel required. How will this research help the Autism community? This study will contribute to the limited research examining clinician perspectives of therapy adaptations, as well as predictor of their behavioural intent in therapy settings. This will identify potential target areas for future education, training, and legislative initiatives by highlighting differences between clinician perspectives of therapy adaptations, and those of Autistic people themselves. Ultimately, it is hoped this will improve the poor mental health outcomes that Autistic people often receive. How can potential participants register to participate? Participants can access the survey using the following link: https://www151.griffith.edu.au/redcap/surveys/?s=343W4PR93WT3LWCY Participants can access the consent and information sheet by accessing the survey link. Please note that participants can exit the survey after reading this information if they do not wish to proceed. Close Date: 30 September 2026 |
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