You might know about the 3-minute thesis competition, that challenges graduate students to present 3-minute summaries of their research. This is usually a very challenging, but rewarding exercise for the students. Even more challenging is presenting a thesis in 30 seconds. But OTARC PhD student and CRC scholar, Ru Cai, was up to the challenge and has entered the Cooperative Research Centre Association’s Early Career Researcher competition. Read more “A PhD in 30 seconds?”
When Jaclyn Alburey planned her spring wedding this year, she knew that she didn’t want traditional gifts. Instead she encouraged her 50 guests to donate funds for research at OTARC.
My son completed high school last year but was only recently been assessed with ASD. He has absolutely no idea what to do next. University does not seem an option. Any suggestions?
By Emma Baker, PhD Candidate
(Supervisor: Associate Professor Amanda Richdale)
There is an abundance of literature that shows children on the autism spectrum experience a significantly high rate of sleep problems, primarily insomnia symptoms, in comparison to children generally and children with other developmental disorders. However, there is much less research that has assessed sleep problems in adults on the spectrum. Our knowledge of the causes of sleep problems in ASD is also very limited. Therefore, my PhD research aimed to explore the types of sleep problems experienced by adults with autism as well as exploring their potential causes. Thirty-six adults with a diagnosis of ASD and no intellectual impairment (21-44 years) and a comparison group of 54 neurotypical (NT) adults (22 to 43 years) took part in my study. While no-one in the comparison group had a diagnosed mental health problem 15 adults on the spectrum were medicated for a comorbid diagnosis of anxiety/depression. Participants completed various sleep questionnaires, a 14-day sleep-wake diary, 14-day actigraphy assessment (objectively measures sleep) and provided seven saliva samples. Read more “The nature of sleep difficulties in adults with autism”
Has any research been done regarding wellbeing and self-esteem (preferably self-reported rather than objective) in teens and adults who received ABA or similar?
Welcome to the Spring edition of Another Piece!
