The diagnostic experiences of autistic adults in New Zealand have not been investigated and little is known globally about autistic adults' satisfaction with the autism diagnostic process. This study describes the diagnostic experiences of 70 autistic adults living in New Zealand and explores how these experiences are related to satisfaction during three stages of the diagnostic process. The results show that autistic adults were reasonably satisfied with the early query and diagnostic assessment stages, but were dissatisfied with the post-diagnostic support stage, with significant unmet needs. Dissatisfaction during the post-diagnostic support stage was also related to satisfaction during previous stages and poor coordination of supports. Suggestions are made on how to improve the autism diagnostic pathway for autistic adults in New Zealand. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2022
• February 2022

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. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• February 2023

Traits and characteristics qualitatively similar to those seen in diagnosed autism spectrum disorder can be found to varying degrees in the general population. To measure these traits and facilitate their use in autism research, several questionnaires have been developed that provide broad measures of autistic traits [e.g. Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Broad Autism Phenotype Questionnaire (BAPQ)]. However, since their development, our understanding of autism has grown considerably, and it is arguable that existing measures do not provide an ideal representation of the trait dimensions currently associated with autism. Our aim was to create a new measure of autistic traits that reflects our current understanding of autism, the Comprehensive Autism Trait Inventory (CATI). ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• May 2021

Recent research highlights an overlap of gender diversity and autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, data on individuals who are trans and also on the autism spectrum are largely from clinical samples and may not be representative of individuals who are trans with ASD in the general population. In addition, there is scant literature on the mental health of these individuals and their experiences in accessing gender-affirming care. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2021
• March 2021

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]. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• February 2023

This study is the first to investigate longitudinal mental health outcomes associated with the use of oxytocin-based medications during labour ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2018
• December 2018

Prenatal testosterone may have a powerful masculinizing effect on postnatal physical characteristics. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2015
• September 2015

In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the rationale for oxytocin as a therapeutic, evaluating evidence from various various sources. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2017
• January 2017

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. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2023
• July 2023

An existing randomised controlled trial was used to investigate whether multiple ultrasound scans may be associated with the autism phenotype. ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2012
• March 2012

Two competing theories address the influence of foetal testosterone on cerebral laterality: one proposing exposure to high foetal testosterone concentrations... ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2014
• August 2014

Although genetic factors are known to play a causal role in specific language impairment (SLI), environmental factors may also be important. This study... ...

• 1. Telethon Kids Institute
• Our research
• Reports and Findings
• 2014
• August 2014