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 and you would like to advertise 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 Engagements 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
Finding the Lost Years - Autism diagnosed later in lifeThis project has two goals: first, to compare early behavioral signs of autism in individuals diagnosed after 8 years of age with those diagnosed before 2.5 years. Second, to examine whether late-diagnosed individuals show similar or different behaviors compared to those diagnosed earlier in life. University/ Institution/ Faculty conducting this study: Monash University - School of Educational Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Education. Who is eligible to participate? - Autistic children/adolescents (under 18-years old) diagnosed at 9+ years and their parents/guardians. - Autistic adults (over 18-years old) diagnosed at 9+ years OR those who self-identify as Autistic. - Participants of all genders (i.e., girls/women, boys/men, non-binary and gender-diverse) What does participating involve? This study has two phases. You are welcome to take part in Phase 1 only, or in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, depending on your preferences and eligibility. Each phase involves different activities, and all contributions are valuable. Phase 1: Phase 2:
Participants will be reimbursed for their time. You may receive up to $50 in e-gift cards, depending on which phases you complete. How will this research help people with Aspergers/Autistic people? Participation will provide a better understanding of the early signs of Aspergers and/or autism in individuals who receive a later diagnosis. This information will benefit clinical practice, families and schools, and we hope it can be used to assist practitioners with earlier and accurate identification and diagnosis. In turn, this can help Autistic people or people with Aspergers better understand who they are earlier in life that may enhance their mental health and well-being, understanding of self, and connection with others in the neuro-diverse community. In addition, the activities we are conducting might offer some new or up-to-date information to the participant about their skills and abilities, and they will be provided with this feedback in a brief written summary report.How can I register to participate? Click this link: https://tinyurl.com/ysybjhad Researcher contact details: If you want more information, contact Belinda Coldebella Closing date: 6 April 2026 | .jpg) |
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The Lived Experience of Asian Migrant Mothers of Children with Disability in Australia
This study explores the daily lived experiences of mothers of children with disability who migrated from Southeast and East Asia to Australia. We aim to understand how they use their time, the activities they engage in—including beyond caregiving—their thoughts and feelings about these activities, and how these experiences affect their wellbeing.
University/ Institution/ Faculty conducting this study:
School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney
Xinyi Yu, PhD candidate
Who is eligible to participate?
We are looking for people who are;
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Are mothers
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Are aged 18 years old or over
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Have at least one child, aged 0-18 years, with any type of disability
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Migrated from a Southeast or East Asian country.
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Currently live in Australia.
What does participating involve?
Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes. After completing the questionnaire, they will be invited to indicate whether they are interested in receiving information about a follow-up interview. This is only an expression of interest—not a commitment to participate.
How will this research help people with Aspergers/Autistic people?
This research does not directly improve the lives of people with Asperger’s or those who are autistic. However, mothers are usually primary caregiver for their children with Aspergers or autism. Much research has demonstrated that caregivers’ daily activities are closely linked to their own wellbeing and quality of life—which, in turn, can influence the wellbeing of the children with disability in their care and even the whole family. Thus, a focused investigation into this group could further provide valuable insights for service providers and policymakers, ensuring that support services are culturally responsive and effectively address the specific challenges these migrant mothers face.
How can I register to participate?
Interested parties can click HERE
Researcher contact details:
Xinyi Yu, PhD candidate, xiyu0596@uni.sydney.edu.au
Closing date: 31 July 2026Early Childhood PathsWe are doing a study on family experiences of health and community support for babies with early signs of social or communication differences. Sometimes, the social and communication skills of babies can develop differently to what we expect – they may communicate, play, or interact with people or the environment differently to other babies of the same age. This study has received funding from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). University/ Institution/ Faculty conducting this study: The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University Professor Nora Shields, Chief Investigator Dr Samantha Wright, Research Project Manager Who is eligible to participate? Families of babies who:
What does participating involve? Taking part involves completing surveys and taking videos using your phone or computer three times over the course of one year. You will also be asked to complete a monthly log of the support services you receive. Are participants eligible for compensation / remuneration for completing the study? Families will receive a gesture of thanks at each of these three time points. At the end of the study, we will support eligible families to access an autism assessment for their young child in Victoria. Specific details can be accessed via the registration link. How will this research help people with Aspergers/Autistic people? Findings will be reported to the NDIA and research articles and presentations will contribute to research that can inform future program and policy development. How can I register to participate? To register interest in participating click HERE Find out more by contacting early.childhood.paths@latrobe.edu.au Closing date: 30 June 2026 |
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AI for All? AI use among Neurodivergent IndividualsIn this study, we seek to explore the use of AI companions among Neurodivergent individuals, examining how these technologies are used, the benefits and risks they may pose, and how Neurodivergent people can be supported to engage with AI in ways that are safe, ethical, and empowering. This is a short anonymous online survey University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: La Trobe University Melissa Black, Associate Professor, La Trobe University Stuart Bender, Associate Professor, Curtin University Dr Louise White, Postdoctoral Researcher, La Trobe University Who is eligible to participate? Neurodivergent individuals (including Autistic individuals), caregivers/loved ones of Neurodivergent individuals, professionals working with Neurodivergent individuals. What does participating involve? Brief online anonymous survey (~10 minutes) Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Not for the current study given it is anonymous, however, we will also be performing interviews at a later date where individuals will receive a gift voucher Is travel required? No travel is required. How will this research help the Autism community? Neurodivergent individuals, including those who are Autistic, are at risk of exclusion in digital spaces, particularly as Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies expand in popularity and apparent accessibility. This is part of a larger project where we will seek to co-produce guidelines for safe, ethical and empowering AI use for Neurodivergent (including Autistic) individuals. How can potential participants register to participate? Directly via survey link: https://redcap.link/vh2b0mip Where can interested Individuals find more information? More information can be found by following the survey link or by contacting m.black@latrobe.edu.au Close Date: 31 May 2026 |
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The Lived experience of autistic adults with DCD participating in sport
An interview study to understand the experience of Autistic adults with a codiagnosis of DCD/Dyspraxia in relation to sport participation or non-participation.
University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study:
Olga Tennison Autism Research centre/La Trobe University
Jennifer Snowball, PHD Student/Student Researcher
Who is eligible to participate?
Adults over 18 with a formal diagnosis of Autism and DCD/Dyspraxia, Australian resident, understands English.
What does participating involve?
Do a 5 minute screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for study
Take part in a 60 min interview. either by: Zoom/ phone or Email accommodations made for all forms with a detailed plan to encoporate all choices
Total hours to spend on the study is approx. 2 (including optional reviews)
Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study?
$50 egiftcard for all on completion.
Is travel required?
No travel is required.
How will this research help the Autism community?
Understanding of reasons why they participate or do not participate in sport. How they participate may allow for improvement in inclusive practices in this area. Understanding of how codiagnosis affects Autistic people may help to provide greater resources for this part of the wider Autistic community.
How can potential participants register to participate and find out more information?
Contact j.snowball@latrobe.edu.au
Close Date: 31 May 2026
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