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Research

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].

Research

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.

Research

To explore the factors influencing the uptake of cochlear implants in adults, determine the impact of each factor, and to conceptualize the journey to implantation from a multistakeholder perspective. Concept mapping was used to integrate input from multiple stakeholders, each with their own experience and expertise.

Research

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).

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News & Events

In this blog, Curtin University Occupational Therapy students Julia Walker and Mandy Bull delve into the history of Occupational Therapy in Australia.

News & Events

In this blog, Curtin University Occupational Therapy student Julia Than discusses how to make nail care an important part of a child's self-care routine.

News & Events

In this new blog, Senior Speech Pathologist and PACT therapist/trainer Sally Grauaug discusses the benefits of PACT, how it works and how clinicians become certified PACT therapists.

News & Events

Professor Andrew Whitehouse recently spoke with ABC Perth’s Geoff Hutchison and Andrea Burns, Postgraduate Broadcasting Academic at ECU, for their ‘What Just Happened?’ segment which involves sitting down with a prominent Perth figure to get a sense of their life story and what matters most to them.