Identification and diagnosis

Developing and evaluating evidence-based approaches to identify and diagnose autism at all ages to activate timely and personalised supports.

Research program leader:
Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro

Researchers:
Cheryl Dissanayake, Katy Unwin, Nancy Sadka, Rachel Jellett, Melissa Gilbert, Darren Hedley, Alison Lane

Our research has:

informed government policy on early childhood development
trained health professionals and parents/carers in how to see the signs of autism as early as possible
improved the outcomes of autistic children.

Australian children who are diagnosed with autism early in life reduced their need for ongoing support at school age by 30%. Children who receive an autism diagnosis and supports in the early and critical years (aged 18-36 months) have better school-age developmental outcomes. And yet, the average age of autism diagnosis in children remains at about 3-4 years.

2016 paper 2017 paper

An early diagnosis:

enables children to begin participation in specialised supports and service programs at younger ages, maximising their developmental opportunities
promotes greater independence and better quality of life for autistic children and their families
benefits the community by significantly increasing the chances of these children participating in society.