Kaleidoscope Education Services

There is so much happening in the research space at the moment! This paper, which is free to access, talks about how autistic students report that anxiety affects them at school. For the full article, follow this link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/13623613241231607
Or if you prefer a short summary, you can read this blog instead: https://autismresearchtalk.wordpress.com/2024/05/27/what-autistic-children-tell-us-about-the-ways-anxiety-affects-them-at-school/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3ssevUaiq5x_wnqbH58BF-VAyKMHpTs7OwDvi20hQdPK_Iw7UUe2tyMs8_aem_AcqqRXUEgGXpHvIO75wDpWYOhatYQUZiOJR_RbC7EcIe7xQgg3slhjsBaVBxQRVIWtn7Y68Qhwi2pm-B5zSLDPjMOr for a beautifully designed infographic about the same results, see Thriving Minds Education's post here: https://www.facebook.com/thrivingmindseducation/posts/pfbid02EE2YDyMeH6vp9zjYzUciNWcZHGBQvX78nggsLvXJTHF8sgep6SigpXumuZYza8Eil

We're so pleased to launch Bloom - a co-produced parent group which focuses on helping young autistic children to flourish and thrive. Scan the QR code on the poster, or see link in comments, to find out more about the group and the research we're conducting around it.

We're inviting parents of Autistic children aged 3-8, living in Australia, to take part in this group. Groups will run for two hours per week for eight weeks, and are delivered online. There is no cost to take part in the program. See link below in the comments for more information.

This group was developed based on over 70 hours of interviews with autistic adults and parents of autistic children, and was co-produced in partnership with our wonderful friends at Reframing Autism, Giant Steps, STEPs and Children's Health Queensland.

If you would like a screen reader friendly version of this picture, please email [email protected]

Please share with your networks- a new, free, program for parents of autistic children aged 3-8!

We're so pleased to launch Bloom - a co-produced parent group which focuses on helping young autistic children to flourish and thrive. Scan the QR code on the poster, or see link in comments, to find out more about the group and the research we're conducting around it.

We're inviting parents of Autistic children aged 3-8, living in Australia, to take part in this group. Groups will run for two hours per week for eight weeks, and are delivered online. There is no cost to take part in the program. See link below in the comments for more information.

This group was developed based on over 70 hours of interviews with autistic adults and parents of autistic children, and was co-produced in partnership with our wonderful friends at Reframing Autism, Giant Steps, STEPs and Children's Health Queensland.

If you would like a screen reader friendly version of this picture, please email [email protected]

It's time to have your say!

Help inform future autism research! The Australian Autism Research Council (AARC) has asked us to identify community research priorities in five key areas - share your opinions at https://redcap.link/autism_research_questions
The five topic areas this survey will focus on are
- the built environment,
- choice in housing and living,
- health and disability services,
- family and carer support,
- gender, diversity and inclusion.

More free stuff!

Autism Essentials This is a free, self-paced course that provides a solid understanding of Autism in a way that is neuro-affirming. This means we talk about Autism and Autistic people in a way that is respectful of who we are, our strengths and our challenges, and does not prioritise non-Autistic ways of being, think...

How early does school refusal/school can't start? – NEW survey for parents of 3-6 year old autistic children out now! https://redcap.link/earlynonattend

School can't or school refusal is higher in autistic children than neurotypical children, but we don’t know much about school refusal and school non-attendance in young autistic children. We are asking parents of autistic children aged 3-6 who are enrolled in early years educational settings in Australia to complete an online questionnaire. It is completely anonymous and takes less than an hour to complete.

This project has been reviewed by Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval no. 2023/195). Please be mindful of privacy/confidentiality (yours and others) when commenting on or sharing this post.

Anyone can jump on this survey and share their views to inform the proposed National Autism Strategy- see link below

One week left to share your experiences and views to help inform the National Autism Strategy: https://redcap.link/Haveyoursay
Please share far and wide - as well as autistic people and their family members, we also welcome insights from Health professionals, mental health professionals, support workers, social workers, those working in the justice system, researchers, educators and allied health professionals. Survey closes May 5th.

This study is funded by the AutismCRC and being undertaken by academics from Griffith University and Curtin University and Dr Wenn Lawson. The project team includes multiple autistic and neurodivergent researchers who have advised on the project set up and design, and will input into the analysis and dissemination. The study has been reviewed by Griffith Human Research Ethics Committee (ref 2023/121).

Please feel free to share this post as widely as possible, but as always, please be mindful of your own confidentiality and that of others when commenting on, or sharing, this post.

New interview study: Have you moved your autistic child from a mainstream school and into a home based education? To find out more about this study and register your interest to participate please click on the link: https://redcap.link/kq89mw54

There is a growing number of autistic students who are moving into a home based education. We are interested in understanding more about what leads parents/caregivers to consider moving or move their autistic child from a mainstream school and into home based education. Home based education may include traditional homeschooling or a school of distance education. If this is you, we would like to invite you to participate in an interview to discuss your experiences around making this move.

When commenting on social media, please be aware of the potential dangers of accidental public exposure, and be mindful of maintaining your own privacy and the privacy of others.

This project has ethical approval from Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (GU ref no: 2023/194). If you have any questions or queries, please contact Hayley Mitchelson [email protected] or Professor Dawn Adams [email protected] (07) 3735 5854

Do you or a family member have a new diagnosis and need help applying for the NDIS? This can be an overwhelming process when you are doing this for the first time. Some individuals or families need substantial support to complete the application process, whilst others may just not have the time.

If you would like help or advice to start your application, there are some government funded organisations that can assist you. The demand for this support is high, often with lengthy waiting periods to be allocated to a social worker or disability advocate. Alternatively, we can help you get started straight away and tailor the application to your needs.

We can assist you with your application from start to end, with as much help as you need. We can help with the following:
- Complete all necessary forms
- Gather all requested assessments and evidence
- Speak to your healthcare team, with your permission, requesting any relevant information
- Prepare a summary statement or carer statement to accompany your application
- Assist you with setting your NDIS goals
-Attend any NDIS meetings or interviews if preferred
- Speak to your ECP or LAC, with your permission, for any follow up needed

Reach out to us today to get started, more details on our website.

New opportunities to participate in research...

New study seeking participants :)