Health and wellbeing

We aim to understand factors that influence the health and wellbeing of autistic people. These help to inform and enhance supports and practices across the lifespan.

Research theme leader:
Associate Professor Darren Hedley

Researchers:
Katy Unwin, Simon Bury, Cheryl Dissanayake, Amanda Richdale, Lauren Lawson,

We achieve these aims through advocacy and policy development, academic research, and working with autistic people.

We have:

  • trained the workforce to better support the health and wellbeing needs of autistic workers
  • developed suicide prevention tools and education programs
  • delivered training to allied health professionals
  • conducted research in the areas of anxiety, depression, sleep, and suicide prevention.

The high rate of suicide and co-occurring health and other conditions makes the autistic community a priority group for action. Policies that improve access to high quality allied healthcare delivered by a trained and experienced workforce are critical. This work needs to be underpinned by high quality research that meets the priorities and goals of autistic people.

The Suicide Response Project (SRP)

The SRP provides tips for the general public on how to detect and respond to suicide risk in others.

SRP website

Is the source of autism knowledge related to differences in autism knowledge, autism identity, and experiences of stigma?

Read the online presentation below based on recent OTARC research.