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Research Highlights Autism Centre banner

The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

The Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders exists as a result of substantial need for specialised services in the Gold Coast autism community. CASD is a multidisciplinary research facility dedicated to assisting people on the autism spectrum as well their families and the educators and professionals who support them.
CASD has four core objectives: 

  1. To conduct research focused on individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families;
  2. To deliver in-service training of professionals involved in the education and care of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder;
  3. To form community partnerships with government organisations (e.g., Education Queensland) and Gold Coast support services (e.g., Autism Gold Coast) to advance applied research in the field; and
  4. To develop and participate in community awareness initiatives.

2011 Highlights

  • Development of a collaborative research programme (focused on measurement of anxiety in individuals with an autism disorder) involving the University of Texas (Dallas, USA) and the University of New England (NSW, Australia).
  • Implementation of research into the lifestyle changes and mental health outcomes of parents of children with an autism disorder.
  • Partnership with Education Queensland (Gold Coast) to undertake applied research into best-practice educational and behavioural interventions for students in mainstream schools.
  • Development of the visiting scholars programme which hosted Professor Digby Tantum (Universities of Cambridge/Sheffield) in 2011. This programme not only provides a strong basis for research partnerships but distinguishes CASD as a Centre of potential international significance by fostering direct links with experts with outstanding reputations in autism research.
  • Centre involvement in dissemination of evidence-based information on autism assessment and treatment to professionals and the wider community via presentations and seminars. In 2011, CASD dissemination activities included:
    • A one-day conference during which Professor Digby Tantum and Professor Vicki Bitsika presented key note addresses;
    • The Bond Talks lecture series during which Professor Vicki Bitsika presented on the highlights from her Winston Churchill Fellowship travels to the USA and England. This presentation attracted over 300 community and professional participants.

Find out more about the Centre for Autism Spectrum Disorders