Before this study, there was no reliable tool specifically for measuring loneliness in Autistic adults. Our findings validate a new measurement tool that will help future research and support services better understand and assist Autistic adults struggling with loneliness. Read more

Self-compassion is being kind and gentle to ourselves. Our research found Autistic adults experience lower self-compassion than non-Autistic adults. ARCAP has developed the Aspect Self-compassion Program for Autistic Adults (ASPAA) to help Autistic people improve their self-compassion, emotion regulation and mental health. We conducted a pilot study involving 39 Autistic adults and found that after completing ASPAA the overall self-compassion of participants improved. A clinician version of ASPAA has also been developed for therapists and mental health workers to support Autistic clients on their self-compassion journey.

Deciding whether or not to tell someone you are Autistic is a complex decision. ARCAP’s world-first study investigated the real-time disclosure experiences of Autistic adults. We used this information to design guides to help Autistic people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose. Read more

To ensure we provide the best opportunities for people on the autism spectrum, we asked Autistic people and their families about what matters most to them to have a good life, and the issues that may prevent them from having a good life. We identified eight research priorities that are being used to underpin ARCAP’s research agenda and ensure that our work is respectful and relevant to Autistic people. Read more

Positive Behaviour Support delivered using video conference technology or telepractice (tele-PBS) can support Autistic children in remote locations. Our research compares the experiences and outcomes of children using tele-PBS and face-to-face PBS. Findings from this study also informed the development of resources for behavioural therapist who deliver PBS via telepractice. Read more

Only one in six Autistic adults live independently– a rate lower than adults with other disabilities. Autistic adults told us that living independently is important to them, however they require support to develop daily living skills, choose the right place to live and manage the organisational requirements of living independently. Read more

The strengths and abilities of Autistic students may be overlooked by teachers. This can hinder students during their school years and may affect their quality of life as adults. We asked Autistic adults who are also gifted and /or talented about what helped and hindered the development of their skills. This study will inform autism programs that focus on the inclusion of strengths. Read more

ARCAP joined an international collaboration of more than 60 researchers in a project to investigate how Autistic people, people with special needs and their families across the world coped with the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings helped build an evidence base of the needs of Autistic children and their families during crises. Read more

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Aspect introduced an online telehealth delivery model to conduct diagnostic assessments for autism. The project provided information about the suitability of telehealth assessments from the perspectives of Aspect clinicians, Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children. Read more

Understanding and giving voice to people on the autism spectrum about their everyday life experiences is key to Aspect’s work. These studies gave adults and adolescents on the autism spectrum an opportunity to have their say about the awareness, services and support they need to achieve their goals and aspirations, and have since informed the development of Aspect’s services. The project was extended with the publication of the book Shining a Light on the Autism Spectrum: Experiences and Aspirations of Adults. Read more

Allied Health Assistants (AHA) deliver therapy support – under the supervision of Allied Health Professionals – to regional, rural and remote communities via fly-in fly-out and tele-practice service models. We investigated a service model that allows AHAs to deliver efficient, sustainable therapy support to Autistic people and their families living in hard to reach locations. Read more

Autism services are very limited in rural and remote areas of Australia. We investigated whether teletherapy could be an effective way to provide support and professional development for therapists in hard to reach locations, and to deliver autism therapy services to children living in these locations. Read more

This research study, led by Positive Partnerships, investigated if it is feasible and acceptable to engage fathers of children on the autism spectrum in a text-based intervention that is designed to reduce parenting stress, enhance parenting self-efficacy and enhance co-parenting competence. Positive Partnerships used the findings from this project to inform how we interact and engage with fathers. Read more