The head of The Kids Research Institute Australia's Autism Research Team has been awarded an Autism Spectrum Australia Recognition Award for his work communicating scientific findings to families.
The Kids researcher and UWA Professor Andrew Whitehouse received the Advancement Award for his fortnightly series of ‘60 second science' videos, which highlight a recent scientific finding in lay language.
Professor Whitehouse's videos each attract an average of 13,000 thousand viewers on Facebook and YouTube from within Australia and around the world.
Adrian Ford, the CEO of Autism Spectrum Australia said Professor Whitehouse did a brilliant job of providing information to families in a clear and accessible manner.
"Through these videos, Andrew is providing a critical service to families, professionals, students, and the general public - ensuring that information about autism is presented accurately and supported by research," Mr Ford said.
"These videos are simultaneously raising awareness about autism, busting myths and misconceptions and increasing acceptance and understanding amongst the general public.
"In the field of research, it can be easy to become bogged down in technical terminology and jargon – with these videos Andrew is doing a fantastic job at communicating with a global audience, in a digestible and relatable manner.
"He is breaking down the barriers between researchers into autism and the autism community as a whole, which is why he is very deserving of this award."
Professor Whitehouse said he was thrilled the 60 science videos had been so well received within the autism community.
"Receiving the news that your child has been diagnosed with autism can be an emotional time for parents," Professor Whitehouse said.
"It is the beginning of what can be a very confusing path to find the right therapies and support for your child and it can be made all the more difficult with the large amounts of contradictory information available online.
"Families were telling us they wanted reliable, up-to-date, evidence-based information that they could trust and we hope we have delivered with these videos."
Professor Whitehouse received the award at a special event in Sydney last night to mark the end of Autism Awareness Month.
"In their 11th year, the Autism Spectrum Australia Recognition Awards celebrate extraordinary people in the autism community. It is such a wonderful event, and is certainly the highlight of our year!" said Mr Ford.
"The awards showcase the brilliance of our community, as we recognise the incredible talents and achievements of all the nominees."
About the award:
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) marks the end of Autism Awareness Month with a special event. The Autism Spectrum Australia Recognition Awards, taking place on Thursday 27th April in Sydney’s Radisson Blu Hotel, celebrates individuals within the autism community.
Hosted by Aspect’s Patron, John Doyle AM (also known as “Rampaging Roy” of comedy duo, Roy and HG), the evening saw nominees receive awards across 6 categories.
They included achievements by individuals on the spectrum, parents and carers making a difference in their community, and professionals, businesses and volunteers who are striving to make a more autism-friendly Australia.
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