Cognition in Autism Research

“While around 40% of autistic children have an intellectual disability, they make up only about 6% of research participants.

This means those who may stand to benefit the most from research that can improve quality of life are, often, the least represented in it.”

Few diagnoses have broadened their diagnostic boundaries as much or as quickly as autism. This has affected those with the most profound disability.

👉 Read the article: https://theconversation.com/as-the-definition-of-autism-expands-are-we-losing-sight-of-those-with-the-greatest-needs-281991

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Autism has long been associated more with males than females, but this latest study (on 2.7 million children) found that at younger ages, boys were more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls of the same age, but by adulthood, this difference disappears.

Autism s*x bias falls as age at diagnosis rises | BPS New study finds that the difference in diagnoses rates between males and females narrows with age.

It's never too early to start the conversation. Here's how :

Talking to your autistic child about their diagnosis It’s good to talk with your autistic child about their diagnosis. You can use special interests to explain autism or talk about your child’s autistic brain.

A new diagnosis of 'profound autism' has been proposed and is being considered, but a study conducted in Australia found that the definition often fails to align with the official diagnostic levels, which are used to determine the level of support and NDIS funding that children receive. Let us know what you think.

A new diagnosis of ‘profound autism’ is on the cards. Here’s what could change Every autistic child has individual strengths and needs. New research investigates how a category of ‘profound autism’ could impact their diagnosis and supports.

📖Research Participation Opportunity📖

Calling all Support Workers, Accredited Exercise Physiologists, and other Allied Health Practitioners!

Join our study into supporting physical activity and wellbeing for autistic kids! You will receive free online foundational autism and complex needs training and in-person practical training during March and April.

To find out more or to sign up, scan the QR code or click the link https://murdochuni.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Xuw1zZ31FvazIy

Cognition in Autism Research

Predicting Autism Traits Through Infant Sleep - Neuroscience News A new study find that infants with high sensory sensitivity have shallower deep sleep, offering clues into early neurodivergent development.

Our friends and colleagues at CliniKids are running a trial of LAMP therapy for minimally speaking/nonverbal kids, provided at no cost by their clinicians (with a device provided for the trial). If you have an autistic child between 3- 8 years old and are interested, please get in touch with them!

Not affiliated, but for families who are trying to sift through information on Thriving Kids, this is a clearly written summary. They also have a free information webinar for parents and carers coming up on 13th Feb.

New Thriving Kids report: What families need to know right now.

You may have seen recent news about the new Thriving Kids Advisory Group Report and wondered what it means for your child and family.

When systems change, especially ones that your family relies on, it’s completely understandable to be worried or concerned. You’re not alone. Many parents are feeling uncertain right now and have lots of unanswered questions.

There is a lot being said online, and not all of it is accurate. Which is why we wanted to share a clear, factual summary of what has been announced so far, what is confirmed, and what this means for families right now.

Here are the key things to know.

🔸Nothing changes right now

All current supports continue exactly as they are. If your child receives support through:
• The NDIS
• Early childhood intervention
• School, health services or community programs
Nothing changes right now as a result of this announcement.

🔸When will things change?

• 1 October 2026
Thriving Kids will begin to roll out.

• 1 January 2028
Thriving Kids will be fully implemented, and new NDIS access requirements for children aged 0-8 will take effect.

🔸What this means if your child is on the NDIS

• Children aged 0-8 who are already on the NDIS, or who join before 1 January 2028, can stay on the NDIS. They will be subject to the usual eligibility and reassessment rules that are in place now.

• From 1 January 2028, the NDIS eligibility rules will change for children aged 0-8. After that date, the NDIS will continue to be available for children with permanent and significant disability, including those with developmental delay and/or autism with high support needs.

🔸Who will Thriving Kids be for

Thriving Kids is intended for children aged 0-8 with developmental delay and/or autism, with low to moderate support needs, and their families and carers.

🔸How families will access Thriving Kids supports

Thriving Kids is being designed to have multiple “entry points”, to make it easier to work out where to go first to get help, including:

• Through people you may already know, like GPs, Child and Family Health Nurses, early learning services.

• Online and over the phone, to get information, guidance and help finding supports

Access is based on what a child needs, not on having a diagnosis. Families may move between different types of support over time, depending on what helps their child most at that point.

🔸What kinds of supports are expected under Thriving Kids?

Based on what has been announced so far, Thriving Kids is expected to include a mix of supports for children and families, including:

• Individual support - From professionals such as speech pathologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, for some children when other supports are not enough.

• Support in everyday settings - At home, in the community, early learning, childcare, and school.

• Support for parents and families - Including peer support groups, facilitated playgroups, parenting programs and workshops.

• Early identification and guidance - From GPs, Child and Family Health Nurses and other professionals, without needing to wait for a diagnosis.

• Equipment - Including low-cost assistive technology, aids and equipment to support a child’s development and participation

🔸Do you need to do anything now?
No. There's no application, no forms, no eligibility changes today. Nothing is required from families at this stage.

🔸A note on the Thriving Kids report
The Thriving Kids report sets out a national model and recommendations developed by the Thriving Kids Advisory Group. It describes the core principles, types of supports, and approach governments have agreed to work towards.

State and Territory governments will fund and deliver most Thriving Kids supports in your local area. The Australian Government will oversee the national approach and make sure information is consistent across the country.

More details will become clear as governments work through implementation and local planning over the coming months and years.

🧡 You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll continue to share updates as more details are confirmed.

For more information:
Thriving Kids Advisory Group Report: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-advisory-group-final-report

Thriving Kids Questions and Answers: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/thriving-kids-questions-and-answers