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Research

E-cigarette use among gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQA+) adolescents in Australia: The case for LGBTQA+ affirmative harm reduction

This study aimed to provide a first-ever comprehensive epidemiology of vaping behaviours among Australian gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQA+) youth.

Research

What helps cardiac patients exercise after treatment, and when? Understanding physical activity and exercise participation following exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation

Despite evidence suggesting regular exercise (i.e. structured, repetitive and purposeful physical activity) attenuates cardiac patients’ decline in health, our understanding of factors affecting long-term exercise participation among this patient cohort is limited. This problem is pertinent, given that less than half of cardiac patients adhere to exercise following discharge from formal exercise-based rehabilitation programmes. In this study, we explored factors influencing exercise participation after an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme. 

Research

Are autistic traits in the general population stable across development?

There is accumulating evidence that autistic traits (AT) are on a continuum in the general population.

Research

What influences the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian health care

This review aims to systematically identify contextual and mechanistic factors that contribute to the success or failure of implementing effective HCs in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian primary health care (PHC).

Research

Potential predictive value of CD8A and PGF protein expression in gastric cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy

Immunoneoadjuvant therapy has gained significant attention due to its remarkable advancements in cancer treatment. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying immunoneoadjuvant therapy through a comprehensive multiomics analysis of samples from a registered clinical trial cohort.

Research

Suppression of TGF-β/SMAD signaling by an inner nuclear membrane phosphatase complex

Cytokines of the TGF-β superfamily control essential cell fate decisions via receptor regulated SMAD (R-SMAD) transcription factors. Ligand-induced R-SMAD phosphorylation in the cytosol triggers their activation and nuclear accumulation. We determine how R-SMADs are inactivated by dephosphorylation in the cell nucleus to counteract signaling by TGF-β superfamily ligands. 

Research

Epidemiology of Viral Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Western Australia: A Retrospective Study From 2016 to 2021 Including the COVID-19 Pandemic

Viral infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in viral epidemiology in Western Australia. The impact on patients in neonatal intensive care is uncertain.

Research

The overlapping global distribution of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever

Arboviruses transmitted mainly by Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Ae. albopictus, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, and yellow fever virus in urban settings, pose an escalating global threat. Existing risk maps, often hampered by surveillance biases, may underestimate or misrepresent the true distribution of these diseases and do not incorporate epidemiological similarities despite shared vector species.

Research

Septo-optic dysplasia and gastroschisis: trends in birth prevalence and association with maternal age

This study aims to describe the risk factors and trends in birth prevalence of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and gastroschisis between 1980 and 2023. This descriptive, population-based study of SOD and gastroschisis used Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies data from 1980 to 2023. Birth prevalence was calculated using Midwives Notification System data for all births after 20 weeks gestation.

News & Events

Renowned Autism Researcher named Western Australian of the Year

Autism researcher Professor Andrew Whitehouse has been named this year’s Western Australian of the Year in the HBF Professions category.

Research

First Impressions Towards Autistic People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Emerging evidence suggests that observers tend to form less favorable first impressions toward autistic people than toward non-autistic people. These negative impressions may be associated with immediate behavioral responses, as well as long-lasting attitudes toward those being observed that may negatively impact their psychosocial wellbeing. 

Research

Investigating the impact of developmental coordination difficulties across home, school, and community settings: Findings from the Australian Impact for DCD survey

To evaluate the participation difficulties experienced by children with developmental coordination disorder in home, school, and community environments.  

Research

Preliminary validity evidence for a rapid fundamental movement skill assessment tool for primary education settings

Assessment of motor competence is critical for planning and monitoring children's development. However, many assessment tools require time, training, and resources not available to most teachers. We aimed to evaluate the external aspect of construct validity of a rapid product-oriented fundamental movement skill assessment tool designed specifically for primary education settings.

Research

Effect of an exercise intervention (Move2Engage: Youth) on activity levels, quality of sleep and mental health outcomes in children and youth with movement difficulties

Melissa Andrew Gail Jenny Videos Licari Whitehouse Watch and listen to Andrew Alvares Downs PhD PhD PhD BApplSci (physio) MSc PhD Senior Research

Research

Movement difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: considering a transdiagnostic approach to classification

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often experience difficulties in acquiring and executing movement skills. Although the motor profiles of neurodivergent children frequently overlap, rigid conceptual distinctions between diagnostic labels have been imposed by traditional categorical approaches to taxonomy. An alternative transdiagnostic approach is proposed to better represent the similarities between presentations.

Research

Developmental Relationship-Based Interventions for Autistic Children

Andrew Videos Whitehouse Watch and listen to Andrew PhD Deputy Director (Research); Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at The Kids

Research

A randomised-controlled trial of a parent-mediated intervention for managing uncertainty in young children diagnosed on the autism spectrum

Gail Andrew Videos Alvares Whitehouse Watch and listen to Andrew PhD PhD Principal Research Fellow Deputy Director (Research); Angela Wright Bennett

Research

Implementation of the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of ASD in Australia – Health Sector Capacity Building

Andrew Videos Whitehouse Watch and listen to Andrew PhD Deputy Director (Research); Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research at The Kids

Research

Caregiver-Mediated Early Support Program Delivered Online Versus Care-as-Usual for Infants at Elevated Familial Likelihood for Autism

LiL' STEPS (Language development & Intervention Lab's SupporTing Early social-communication and language by Promoting caregiver Sensitive responsiveness) is a novel, manualized, caregiver-mediated early support program developed in India and delivered online for infants at elevated familial likelihood for autism. The program has been found to be feasible and acceptable. The preliminary efficacy of the LiL' STEPS program, which remains to be evaluated, was assessed in this study using a feasibility randomized controlled trial design.