Cooperative Research Centre for a Better Start and Future for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Professor Sylvia RodgerThe University of QueenslandCo-Chair Autism CRC Bid Team

Cooperative Research Centre for a Better Start and Future for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Proposal for CRC in Autism initiated by AQ & UQ has attracted significant national interest

Scoping & Information Workshop held Brisbane 14 September 2010 with 63 interested participants/organisations including:10 universities4 hospitals/Medical Research Institutes 7 govt/non govt organisations5 federal/state education, health & disability services.

End-users including parents & professionals presented their views on gaps and research needs.

Full support to progress CRC Autism bid. Prospectus was developed based on themes from the day

Progress to date

7 organizations committed to being core participants contributing $50,000-100,000 per annum over 10 years The University of QueenslandQueensland University of TechnologyCurtin UniversityUniversity of Western AustraliaUniversity of New South Wales La Trobe UniversityAutism Queensland

In discussion with other potential participants Participation of end-user organisations (incl. govt

departments) is essential.

End UsersPeople with ASDFamilies/carersProfessionals working with individuals with ASD (e.g.,

teachers, OT, SP, dieticians, paediatricians, psychologists)

Government service providers (health, education, disability, hospitals)

Non-government service providers State autism peak bodies (e.g., AQ, WA Autism, ASPECT)Private providers (AEIOU)Play group Australia

About CRCsSupport medium to long term collaborations (5-10

years) between researchers and end-users Outcomes must be able to be implemented by end users

(plan for implementation and dissemination critical)Funded to address clearly articulated major challenges

of end users.CRCs pursue innovative solutions to these challenges

through R & D deploy these.

CRCs

• Education agenda: CRC will support • PhDs, Postdoctoral fellowships• professional development for end users e.g., CPD for teachers,

health professionals and knowledge translation/dissemination workshops for parents.

• Must demonstrate social and economic outcomes for Australia• Must be able to be implemented by end-users

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Core Program 1: A Better Start

Diagnosis and Biological Underpinnings of ASD

Core Program 3:Finding a Place in

Society

Effective Interventions

for Young People

&Adults with ASD

Core Program 2: Creating a Future

The School Years - Enhancing Student Learning & the Learning

Experience

Core Program 1: A Better Start

Diagnosis and Biological UnderpinningsIdentification of biomarkers with potential to be used in

diagnosisPhenotypes profiledNational surveillance program pilotedNationally endorsed protocol and training for accurate,

efficient and evidence informed diagnostic procedures A program to support period around diagnosis to ensure

seamless integration between diagnostic and early intervention services

Core Program 2: Creating a Future

The School years – Enhancing Student Learning and the Learning experience Nation-wide research into the key elements of

ASD-friendly education programsEducation guided by current brain researchEffective individualised educational support Key elements to support effective transitionsNation-wide use of uniform data collection and

outcome measures Training of teachers and other school staff in ASD-

friendly curriculum and assessment approaches

Tailored supports for young people and adults with ASD Accurate Australian baseline information about adults

outcomesProtocol of vocational assessment for post-school optionsEffective adult programs on social interaction, emotion

regulation & relationshipsEffective programs of support in VET/work sector, higher

educationDevelopment and evaluation of supported and open

employment modelsDevelopment and evaluation of social and community

engagement and independent living programs

Core Program 3: Finding a Place in Society

Enhancing Lives with TechnologyCore program 2 – innovative technology applications in

educationCore program 3 – develop and evaluate employment

programs focusing on technology strengths of some young people with ASD

All core program will investigate use of remote technologies to provide support in regional and remote areas

Innovative technology embedded across core programs

Family concerns addressed in regard to:

• Need for earlier diagnosis and seamless transition to early intervention (Program 1)

• Inclusion of children with ASD-friendly classrooms and awareness raising about ASD in school communities (Program 2)

• Opportunities for participation in VET/tertiary education & employment and community engagement (Core Program 3)

Family supports embedded across core programs

What would service providers gain from involvement in CRC?

Extra funding from Commonwealth to support research and development in key program areas of relevance to ASD

Large nation wide and longitudinal studies Capacity to implement researched interventions

that are evidence based and cost effective.Capacity building: Education of education and

health professionals re latest research findings through dissemination of findings.

How service providers can be involved?

Prospectus Discussion with key personnel/ministers in each

state/territoryAlign with universities/service providers/ peak bodies for

engagement in CRC in each stateLet bid team presenter /member in your state know in

writing.

Participation options include:

Essential Participants: Cash contribution of at least $50,000 per annum (untied)In-kind contributions of at least $300,000per annum for duration of CRC. Direct contribution to the research agenda in its entirety.

Non Essential Participants: Cash contribution suggested $20,000 per annum (negotiable)In-kind contributions for at least 3 years (tied or untied) (preferably duration of the

CRC)Participants to contribute to particular aspects of research agenda Input into education programs arising from CRC Staff/clients directly benefit from engagement in research and information

sessions.

Where to from here?More end-users requiredMeetings of core bid team – program areas identified

and projects specified x 10 years.Recruitment of more industry partnersDevelopment of bid, governance structures, IP,

economic impact statementsBid due July 2011Outcomes known end 2011Start date? 2012.

Professor Sylvia RodgerThe University of QueenslandCo-Chair Autism CRC Bid Team

E-mail: s.rodger@uq.edu.au

Questions/Comments??