Autism CRC highlights for the year 2016

As 2016 comes to a close, we have taken a look back at a year of significant achievement and progress:

• 54 participant organisations and individuals are working together across Australia and internationally to transform the lives of people on the autism spectrum researching practical, evidence-based solutions.
   
• 50 research projects are underway across our three research programs: The Early Years, The School Years and Adulthood.
   
• 28 PhD Scholars and Masters Students are working on CRC projects
   
• 16 publications and 60 presentations were delivered.
   
• CRC Researchers presented the latest autism research through eight public webinars across the year.
   
• 17 Clinicians have graduated from the Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis
   
• 27 autistic adults and autism researchers have graduated into the Autism CRC Research Academy. Our Research Academy members have co-produced a Visual Dictionary for Autism Research.   
   
• 17 Inclusive Research Practice Guides and Checklists have now been developed to support autistic adults and autism researcher to work together as peers.
   
• The first apps4autism Hackathon saw teams of autistic adults, developers and designers, and service providers working together to develop technology solutions from five CRC research projects.
   
• The Autism and Agriculture project developed recruitment and career paths for adults on the spectrum in specialist animal care roles in two sites.
   
• Almost 100 artists from across Australia shared their work in our art prize providing incredible insight into autistic strengths.
   
• Australia’s first National Guideline for Autism Diagnosis is being developed in collaboration with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
   
• Hundreds of families have contributed biological samples to the Australian Autism Biobank.
   
• Over 500 primary healthcare professionals have been trained in a behavioural surveillance tool to enable earlier diagnosis of autism.
   
• 134 classrooms across Australia are involved in the Education Research Program.
   
• 272 parents and 414 school staff have joined a six-year study identifying the pathways to academic and social success at school.
   
• At least 1,500 families have benefited from the Secret Agent Society Program during the past 12 months.
   
• Social Skills Training Institute released Secret Agent Society Version 2 based on the latest social skills research and feedback from clinicians and families.
   
• Almost 1,000 autistic adults have joined the two Longitudinal Studies for school leavers and older adults on the spectrum.
   
• Two employment tools have been developed and trials completed to assist in career planning and long-term employment.

Thank you for your continued interest in the work of Autism CRC. We look forward to providing further updates on our progress in the New Year.