The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research will play a key role in a ground breaking, multi-million dollar Autism research centre announced by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
The Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders will bring together the most respected Autism researchers and scientists from across Australia, including a Telethon Institute team led by the Head of Autism research, Dr Andrew Whitehouse.
Dr Whitehouse has described the commitment to establishing the new national research centre as a game-changer in the ongoing fight to better understand the causes of autism and offer new hope to the families impacted by it.
"For the first time researchers across Australia will have a central point and focus for our work in autism research," said Dr Whitehouse.
"This new centre is a massive step forward in developing national approaches to discovery, treatments and the development of support programs."
An estimated 20-strong Telethon Institute team will work to develop a revolutionary new program aimed at offering earlier and more accurate diagnosis of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
"The 'A Better Start Through Better Diagnosis' program recognises the importance of early awareness and intervention in Autism. It will play a key role in helping us guide children and families to the best health, education and community support programs available for their needs," said Dr Whitehouse.
The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research team will begin work immediately on the new program in July this year.
The Prime Minister announced $31 million towards the Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders as part of a $70 million spend on medical research.