The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) was developed as a result of great demand for evidence-based and specialised treatment programmes in the Gold Coast autism community. CASD is a multidisciplinary research and education facility dedicated to assisting people on the autism spectrum as well as their families, caregivers, educators and other professionals involved in their support. 

Professor Vicki Bitsika is the Director of the Centre and brings with her more than 25 years’ experience in clinical treatment of people with an autism disorder and applied research into issues which affect the daily functioning of those people and their families.

Our Mission

CASD has a commitment to supporting the autism community through dissemination of research findings and provision of professional education initiatives. The Centre has close links with international researchers with strong track records in autism research and best-practice treatment methods. Through the Visiting Scholars programme, we are able to invite international experts to visit the Centre to contribute to its research and participate in informational seminars which are open to families, professionals and members of the public.

We proudly support local, State, National and International bodies involved in providing services to people with an autism disorder and increasing awareness of autism in the general community. This year the Centre was part of the worldwide Light it up Blue autism awareness celebrations. Families and professionals were invited to Bond University during a ceremony in which both the Arch building and fountain were flooded in blue light. We were proud to show our support for autism awareness in this tangible way and look forward to repeating the experience in 2013.