Skip to content
The Kids Research Institute Australia logo
Donate

Search

Research

Characterizing restricted and unusual interests in autistic youth

A broad range of interests characterized by unusual content and/or intensity, labeled as circumscribed interests are a core diagnostic feature of autism. Recent evidence suggests that a distinction can be drawn between interests that, although characterized by unusually high intensity and/or inflexibility, are otherwise common in terms of their content (e.g., an interest in movies or animals), labeled as restricted interests and interests that are generally not salient outside of autism (e.g., an interest in traffic lights or categorization), labeled as unusual interests.

Research

Profiles of circumscribed interests in autistic youth

Circumscribed interests encompass a range of different interests and related behaviors that can be characterized by either a high intensity but otherwise usual topic [referred to as restricted interests] or by a focus on topics that are not salient outside of autism [referred to as unusual interests].

Research

Parent-reported atypical development in the first year of life and age of autism diagnosis

This study examined whether parent-reported atypical development in their child's first year was associated with age of diagnosis and age when parents first needed to consult a specialist about their child's development.

News & Events

AWESOME ASD guide opens the world of art to kids with autism

For kids on the autism spectrum, it’s not always easy to enjoy art without becoming overwhelmed, overstimulated or anxious.

News & Events

National guidelines bring new order to autism diagnosis

Clinicians across Australia are looking forward to the release of the country’s first national guidelines for the diagnosis of autism.

DCD a heavy burden for little Toby

Meet Toby - he has developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a neurodevelopmental condition that causes delays and impairments in fine and gross motor skills.

News & Events

The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher a finalist for 2017 Eureka Prize

Autism researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse from The Kids has been named a finalist in the Eureka Prize for Emerging Leader in Science

News & Events

Prime Minister visits The Kids

We welcomed the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann and Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop to the Institute.

News & Events

The Kids Research Institute Australia researcher wins Premier’s Science Award

Infectious diseases researcher, Dr Asha Bowen, has won the Early Career Scientist of the Year Premier's Science Award for 2017.

News & Events

New friend to improve social attention of kids with autism

An attention-training game developed by researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia is helping to improve social skill development in school-aged kids with autism.