Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research: CAN Research

25/08/2025

23/05/2023

We published an article today in the Conversation. It explores mental health in people with neurodevelopmental conditions.

See the article here:

Our study shows when children first present for neurodevelopmental assessment they are also likely to have mental health concerns.

03/02/2023

Our new paper shows unaccceptable neurodevelopment assessment delay in the public system

Our paper (N = 916 children) shows that on average, families notice a concern with their child's development at child age of 3.0 years.

Children are on average 6.5 years of age by the time they receive a comprehensive multi-disciplinary neurodevelopment assessment.

This assessment may be the only comprehensive assessment children receive in their lifetime and informs the placement of supports to help children reach their potential.

The delay is longer if caregivers are

1.Separated
2. With lower education levels
3. From non-CALD backgrounds

Working closely with the CDU Sydney Children's Hospitals Network and Brain and Mind Centre we established the Sydney Child Neurodevelopment Research Registry, so that when families enter clinical services they can access best practice research and clinical trials.

It does raise the issue of improving access and quality of assessment.

We are working with Sydney Health Partners, Local Health Districts, and multi-disciplinary teams at the University of Sydney and NSW Health.

We have to improve access without reducing quality, but it will require rationalisation about what really matters for families and creating better pathways for support

Objectives Early developmental assessment is crucial for effective support and intervention. This study examined factors that contribute to (a) older child age when caregivers first became concerned about their child’s development and (b) older child age at the point of entry into developmental an...

03/02/2023

Our Conversation Article:

“Wondering about ADHD, autism and your child’s development? What to know about getting a neurodevelopmental assessment”

'Assessment is not about identifying something that is wrong with your child, but determining what supports might be needed to help them reach their potential.'


, A/Prof Natalie Silove,

Parents and carers might be worried a child is slow to talk or can’t seem to maintain attention. But getting a proper assessment can take years and connecting to support, even longer.

31/10/2022

What can skin tell us about brain development?

Our new paper is out proposing a skin-brain model with implications for potential new identification and supportive interventions for neurodevelopment.

'Ectodermal origins of the skin-brain axis: a novel model for the developing brain, inflammation, and neurodevelopmental conditions'

Early life development and its divergence is influenced by multiple genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Atypical neurodevelopment, such as that observed in autism spectrum disorder, likely begins in early gestation during a period of entwined growth between the brain and epithelial bar...

02/10/2022

You can now watch the interview on iview.

We need to stop emphasising rates of medication use for ADHD.

Stigma should not be associated with people getting the support they need. Evidence should drive practice, full stop

Despite more Australians being diagnosed for ADHD, there are still many misconceptions about the disorder.

09/09/2022

Pleased to report our switched on employment program for autistic people just won the national HR award for best diversity employment program. Congrats team, EY, ASPECT and the candidates and staff who participated.

17/08/2022

We have had a identity change and we will have a new logo soon with that change. You can see our new website here:

The Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (CAN Research) conducts world-leading studies that aim to enhance the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, intellectual developmental disorder and Tourette's syndrome.