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Moving beyond behaviour-only assessment: Incorporating biomarkers to improve the early detection and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders

This paper presents a response to the Camarata (2014) lead article regarding the accuracy and effectiveness of early identification and early intervention...

High use of complementary and alternative medication among children with autism is not associated with the severity of core symptoms

This study provided evidence for high rate of alternative medicine use in an Australian paediatric ASD population, similar to other countries.

Effect of Fluoxetine on Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Treatment with fluoxetine compared with placebo resulted in significantly lower scores for obsessive-compulsive behaviors at 16 weeks

Viewpoints on what is important to maintain relationship satisfaction in couples raising a child with autism spectrum disorder

Couples should be supported to strengthen communication processes and work in partnership to raise their child with ASD through family-centred interventions

Parental experiences using the Therapy Outcomes by You (TOBY) application to deliver early intervention to their child with autism

Parental experience of TOBY was positive when use of the application aligned with parental proficiency, opportunities for use, and importantly, the needs of the child

“We are in this together”: Experiences of relationship satisfaction in couples raising a child with autism spectrum disorder

Couples can be supported in these key areas to strengthen their relationship to serve as a source of resilience for families with a child with ASD

Evaluating placebo responses to intranasal oxytocin in autism: findings from the placebo lead-in phase of a randomised controlled trial

The placebo effect is established in clinical trials, but for paediatric research, questions remain about how to best manage its influence. Within the autism field, data on these issues is sparse. This is particularly important in the oxytocin field where placebo responses are thought to play an important role. This study reports on data from the single-blind, placebo lead-in phase of a randomised controlled trial to investigate the placebo response and its relationship to treatment response in autistic children. 

The effect of oxytocin nasal spray on social interaction in young children with autism: a randomized clinical trial

Early supports to enhance social development in children with autism are widely promoted. While oxytocin has a crucial role in mammalian social development, its potential role as a medication to enhance social development in humans remains unclear.

Autism diagnoses are up, largely fuelled by the NDIS. What happens next isn’t entirely clear

In this article, Deputy Director of the Kids Research Institute Australia, Andrew Whitehouse explores why diagnosis rates have risen and what proposed NDIS reforms could mean for autistic children, families and future access to supports. Published by The Conversation on the 15th April 2026

Screening all 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds for developmental delay makes sense. But diagnosing autism is different

David Trembath, Head of Autism Research and Senior Principal Research Fellow, at The Kids Research Institute, explains why developmental screening is important and why autism diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment. Published by The Conversation on the 17th June 2026