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Research
Facial asymmetry in parents of children on the autism spectrumGreater facial asymmetry has been consistently found in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) relative to children without ASD. There is substantial evidence that both facial structure and the recurrence of ASD diagnosis are highly heritable within a nuclear family. Furthermore, sub-clinical levels of autistic-like behavioural characteristics have also been reported in first-degree relatives of individuals with ASD, commonly known as the 'broad autism phenotype'.
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Investigating associations between birth order and autism diagnostic phenotypesBirth order effects have been linked to variability in intelligence, educational attainment and sexual orientation. First- and later-born children have been linked to an increased likelihood of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis, with a smaller body of evidence implicating decreases in cognitive functioning with increased birth order.
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Performance of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants with community-ascertained infants showing early signs of autismWe investigated whether a commonly used research assessment - the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) - accurately measures autism behaviours among infants showing early signs of autism identified within the community. The AOSI is often included in studies tracking the development of infants at increased likelihood of autism, such as the infant siblings of diagnosed children. However, the suitability of this measure has not previously been tested with community-referred infants.
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A pilot randomised controlled trial of a telehealth-delivered brief ‘Sleeping Sound Autism’ intervention for autistic childrenAccess to behavioural sleep intervention is beneficial for autistic children, yet many families face barriers to access associated with location and time. Preliminary evidence supports telehealth-delivered sleep intervention. However, no studies have evaluated brief telehealth sleep intervention.
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Feasibility of a 2-minute eye-tracking protocol to support the early identification of autismWe tested the potential for Gazefinder eye-tracking to support early autism identification, including feasible use with infants, and preliminary concurrent validity of trial-level gaze data against clinical assessment scores. We embedded the ~ 2-min 'Scene 1S4' protocol within a comprehensive clinical assessment for 54 consecutively-referred, clinically-indicated infants (prematurity-corrected age 9-14 months).
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Does otitis media in early childhood affect later behavioural development? Results from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) StudyThe relationship between early life episodes of otitis media and later behavioural development with adjustment for confounders.
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Early autism symptoms in infants with tuberous sclerosis complexWe examined early signs of ASD in infants wit tuberous sclerosis complex, approximately 50% of whom will meet criteria for ASD by age 3.
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Duration of general anaesthetic exposure in early childhood and long-term language and cognitive abilityAnaesthetic dose causing toxicity in animals has been evaluated, but the relationship between duration of VA exposure and development in children remains vague.
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Hypermasculinised facial morphology in boys and girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder and its association with symptomatologyThis is the first study demonstrating facial hypermasculinisation in ASD and its relationship to social-communication difficulties in prepubescent children
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The correlation between central and peripheral oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysisThese results indicate a coordination of central and peripheral oxytocin release after stress and after intranasal administration