One in every 160 Australians will have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). That's around 125,000 people.
Autism is a developmental condition characterised by difficulties in social interaction and communication, and a restricted range of activities and interests.
While we understand that autism runs in families, the exact causes of the condition remain unknown.
Our Autism Research Team is looking at the genetic and neurobiological causes of autism and related disorders, and conducts clinical intervention trials into these conditions.
Meet Andrew Whitehouse
Andrew and his team are working on identifying autism as early as possible to improve outcomes for kids and make their futures as bright as possible.
Meet Miles
His parents say they knew things were different with Miles, in the way he sees the world and copes with it.
While Miles has difficult days, their hope for him is that he's a happy kid.
Meet Elise
Elise's mum noticed something wasn't right when there was lack of eye contact from Elise and she was lining up toys pedantically.
Despite all the tears and hard days, Elise is the light of her mum's life.