Can gratitude practices improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness for Autistic adults? We're recruiting Australian Autistic adults (18+, diagnosed or self-identified) for a pilot study of a self-guided online gratitude program co-designed with Autistic advisors: www.aspect.org.au/our-research...
Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP)
@arcap-aus.bsky.social
Our genuine partnership with Autistic people and unique synergy with Australia’s largest workforce of autism specialists enables ARCAP to focus our research on real-world issues affecting Autistic people and their families and accelerate timely solutions.
The Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub is 1 and it’s grown into the largest online collection of autism-related perinatal resources! To celebrate, we’ve added new resources! 🎁🥳 Check them out now: www.aspect.org.au/resources/th... #Autism #Parenthood #Pregnancy @arcap-aus.bsky.social
The Hub turns one! Find out what's new.
The Hub turns one! Find out what's new.
aspect.org.au
ARCAP’s latest webinar, “Autistic parenting: what research and lived experience tell us about family life” is now available to watch on demand. Featuring presentations from Dr Mel Heyworth (Reframing Autism) and Dr Chris Edwards (ARCAP). www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-T0... #AutisticParenting #Research
❤️Parents often put their own wellbeing last. This Mother’s Day, new ARCAP research highlights how small moments of self-compassion can help parents of Autistic children feel less overwhelmed. Learn more and download the free guide: www.aspect.org.au/parent-self-... #AutismResearch #SelfCompassion
Join our free webinar on Autistic parenting on 19 May, 12.30–1.30 pm (AEST). Dr Mel Heyworth and Dr Chris Edwards share research and lived perspectives on raising children, with a focus on strengths, challenges and connection in Autistic family life. Register: aspect.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #Autism
Part 2 of this special podcast series to coincide with #WorldAutismUnderstandingMonth. Linda Hollenberg, Autistic mother, research advisor and parent educator discusses what pregnancy, birth and early motherhood can look like through a neurodivergent lens: ifillyourcup.com/blogs/the-sc... #Autism
New podcast episode just dropped! ARCAP's, Dr Abbey Love chats with host, Renee White about the experiences of Autistic parents through the perinatal period & the research that led to the creation of the Aspect Autistic Pregnancy & Parenthood Hub: ifillyourcup.com/blogs/the-sc... #AutisticPregnancy
What makes it hard for Autistic people to access healthcare, transport, employment services, shops, restaurants & education? If you are an Autistic adult or parent of an Autistic person in Australia, take our anonymous survey before 9 April. Learn more: griffithuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
Meet Chris, Lana and Emma, who shared their dating experiences during our latest webinar on “Finding connection online: Autistic adults’ experiences of dating, disclosure and safety”. Watch the full recording now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFti... #AustismResearch #OnlineDating #LivedExperience
❤️Join us for a free ARCAP webinar – Finding connection online: Autistic adults’ experiences of dating, disclosure and safety. Hear from researchers & Autistic adults about online dating connection, safety concerns and recommendations: www.aspect.org.au/community-ev... #AutismResearch #OnlineDating
Curious about Autistic adults’ experiences of online dating – from navigating profiles to disclosure and safety? Join our free webinar on 24 March where researchers and Autistic people will share insights and answer your questions. Register: aspect.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #AutismResearch #webinar
🏥 🚃 🛒 🏫 If you are an Autistic adult or parent/carer of an Autistic person, please take part in our Australia-wide study exploring the barriers Autistic people face in everyday life. We are seeking a large number of people for this study, so please share far and wide: lnkd.in/ggTiEhqZ. 🙏 #Autism
Our new study is investigating the accessibility of services & places for Autistic people in Australia. We invite Autistic adults and parents/caregivers of Autistic people to complete an anonymous 10–30 min survey about their day-to-day life: griffithuw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_... #AutismFriendly
🎄From our team to yours – we wish you a safe & happy festive season. We’re grateful to all of the like-minded individuals & organisations in our network who have stood by the research, shared our values & connected with our work over the past year. We look forward to another busy year in 2026!
👀This recent article from Optometry Australia highlights our research findings and offers practical recommendations to help vision professionals make eye care more accessible and comfortable for Autistic Australians. goodvisionforlife.com.au/2025/12/01/m... #VisionProfessional #AutismResearch
Making eye care more inclusive for autistic Australians - new Aspect research highlights practical ways optometrists can adapt their approach - Good Vision For Life
New research from Aspect shows how simple changes to communication and pacing can make eye care more inclusive, practical and comfortable.
goodvisionforlife.com.au
WORLD AUTISM UNDERSTANDING MONTH, APRIL 2026 We’re expanding into a month-long celebration of #Autistic voices, strengths & experiences! Save the date & register now for early access to the FREE resource pack 🙌 www.aspect.org.au/WAUM #autism #autismAwareness #WAUM2026 @arcap-aus.bsky.social
Coinciding with the International Day of People with Disability, this article highlights findings from our research – many Autistic people want to participate in more sport and physical activity, but too often the environments around them make it impossible. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12... #IDPwD
Meet the teen who masks their way through class then collapses at home
Hayley masks their struggles so well in dance class that teachers can't tell. But when they get home, they collapse — sometimes missing days of school.
abc.net.au
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we’re sharing a must-read piece by survivor–advocate Jas Rawlinson. Dr Vicki Gibbs (@arcap-aus.bsky.social) explains practical steps that can help keep Autistic women and girls safer. Read here ⬇ www.news.com.au/lifestyle/re...
news.com.au
🤰 Arriving in early 2026! Our upcoming a different brilliant® podcast episode features Dr Abbey Love talking about autistic experiences of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Keep an eye out for the release! #Autism #Neurodiversity #PerinatalCare #Podcast
🎆We are incredibly proud of Dr Abbey Love and her advisory team who have received this year’s Autism CRC Award for Translation of Autism Research for the project, “The Autistic pregnancy and parenthood hub: translating co-produced research into community impact." www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ8W...
Dr Abbey Love wins Autism CRC Award for Achievement (Translation of Autism Research) 2025
YouTube video by Aspect
youtube.com
Our study of 198 eye care professionals found strong motivation to support Autistic patients but limited autism-specific training. Key barriers: sensory issues, time limits & communication. More training & system support needed. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... #AutismFriendly #EyeCare
Autism in eye care: A mixed‐methods study of professional knowledge, confidence and clinical experience
Purpose Autistic people face significant barriers when accessing healthcare, which contribute to health disparities and unmet needs. While emerging research has described the experiences of autistic.....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Our research study reveals barriers autistic people face in eye care – from sensory overload to rushed exams – and how professionals want to do better. Key fixes: clear communication, more time, calmer spaces. Read the open access paper: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/... #AutismFriendly #EyeCare
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
Find us at the Asia Pacific Autism Conference 2025, currently underway in WA. Check the program for presentation times for @drchrised.bsky.social, Dr Ru Ying Cai and Dr Abbey Love; visit the @aspectaus.bsky.social booth and take a read of our posters. #APAC2025 #AutismConference
Is autism a dynamic disability? Help us find out! We are members of a team of Autistic & non-Autistic researchers & community members. We want to hear about Autistic adults’ experiences of adaptive functioning, to help us find out if autism might be a dynamic disability. tinyurl.com/AutisticAF-i...
👀Based on input from nearly 400 Autistic people, families and eye care professionals, we’ve developed a free eye care guide for vision professionals that provides practical, respectful recommendations for making eye care more accessible: aspect.org.au/eye-care-guide.pdf #AutismFriendly #EyeCare
Eye tests can be overwhelming for Autistic people. Our research shows both Autistic patients and eye care professionals want change. Key solutions: • Extra time • Clear, plain communication • Calmer environments • Staff trained in autism Learn more: www.aspect.org.au/our-research... #EyeCare
Eye care for Autistic people
How can eye care professionals provide more accessible, inclusive and affirming services for Autistic people?
aspect.org.au
Our new study is investigating what helps or hinders Autistic people working in small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Australia. Owners & hiring staff from SMBs in Australia are invited to complete a 20-minute survey: tinyurl.com/ARCAPbusiness Please share with your networks 🙏 #AutismResearch
New publication! Researchers found that an inclusive post-school program for Autistic youth with intellectual disability helped build confidence, friendships, independence and wellbeing, highlighting the need for holistic supports beyond just work or training. www.emerald.com/aia/article/... #autism
Beyond the “service cliff”: experiences of an inclusive postschool transition program for autistic youth with intellectual disability
Purpose. Autistic youth with intellectual disability (ID) are underrepresented in transition research and services, particularly in programs that prioritize social inclusion, emotional wellbeing and a...
emerald.com
Are you an Autistic young person aged 12-21, living in Australia? The University of Western Australia is looking for advisors to join their research team that is investigating what supports Autistic teens need when exploring being Autistic and co-develop a resource. uwa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
🤰Did you miss ARCAP's webinar on inclusive perinatal care for Autistic parents? Researchers & a parent shared insights from research studies, key gaps in practice & our new Autistic pregnancy & parenthood hub. The recording is now available on demand: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwqP... #AutismResearch
Our new study is investigating the types of support non-birthing partners provided to their Autistic partner during pregnancy & early parenthood, and what this period was like for them. Non-birthing partners of any neurotype – please complete the survey & interview www.aspect.org.au/our-research...