This project is the primary focus of research activity for Aspect in 2006 and has been designed to compare the Building Blocks centre-based program Starting Blocks™ and the home-based Early Play Program in terms of outcomes for children and families and cost/benefit of Aspect. The project will also provide an assessment protocol that can be applied to other intervention programs for young children with autism and their families.

This study is designed to provide long-term follow-up data for students who have exited Aspect’s satellite classes. The purpose is to ascertain if placement accessed on transition from satellite classes is maintained in the long term, and to provide some comprehensive, descriptive data concerning representative cases. Findings will be used to evaluate transition procedures and develop information packages.

Ageing with Autism: Impact on Families
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney

The purpose of this study is to find out about the experiences and needs of older parents of adults with autism so that future services and policies can be developed to best meet the needs of families of adults with autism.

Collaboration in Service Delivery of Early Childhood Intervention
School of Behavioural and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney

This study aims to understand the perceptions and attitudes towards collaboration and its benefits among professionals involved in early childhood intervention, as well as parents of a child of 6 or under with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability.

Psychological Characteristics of Men with an Intellectual Disability who Display Problematic Sexual Behaviour
Centre for Behavioural Sciences, Department of Medicine,The University of Sydney

The aim of this study is to compare men with an intellectual disability who have problematic sexual behaviour, with men of about the same age with ID who do not have PSB, on the variables of empathy and theory of the mind. The benefit for the participant is that they receive a comprehensive psychological assessment, which may be of assistance to the individual or their caregivers.

Autism and Culture
Department of Anthropology, Macquarie University

This project wants to identify some of the problems experienced by parents from non-English speaking backgrounds in obtaining a diagnosis for their child, and accessing early intervention services.

STK9 - A Second Rett Syndrome Gene?
The University of Sydney & The Children's Hospital, Westmead

This research study is investigating whether mutations in newly identified genes can be responsible for non-specific intellectual disability in females, with or without features of autism. Voluntary participation involves the collection of a blood sample for genetic testing.

Extreme Male Brain Theory
School of Psychology, The University of New England

This study is investigating Extreme Male Brain Theory, which suggests that people diagnosed with autism and autism spectrum disorders display an extreme male cognitive (thinking) brain.

Friendship and Loneliness in Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome
University of Western Australia

This study examines friendship and loneliness in individuals with Asperger’s syndrome.