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World Autism Understanding Day (WAUD) – 2 April 2025
WAUD is about more than awareness – it’s about action.
In conversations with the Autistic community it became apparent that while awareness has grown, genuine understanding and meaningful support are still lacking.
This was further highlighted in recent research where one-third (33%) of respondents said that they would not know how to respond if someone told them they are Autistic and 41% would
not know how to support people on the autism spectrum*.
Aspect's 2025 WAUD campaign provides resources, stories and videos to encourage everyone to move beyond awareness and take real steps toward understanding and inclusion.
*YouGov February 2025
News in brief
Publication: "Unheard Voices"
Publication: individualised planning in schools
Publication: Loneliness measure
Our systematic review highlights the underrepresentation of Autistic adults with intellectual disability in research. We found just 14 studies using self-report, and few measures were validated or co-produced.
Perinatal care conferences
Dr Abbey Love recently presented research on the experiences of Autistic people during pregnancy and early parenthood to an audience of engaged perinatal professionals at the Perinatal Society of Australia & NZ Conference and the Doula Conference.
Our latest paper explores stakeholder insights on a school-based individualised planning intervention. Findings highlight key factors influencing the feasibility of implementing COMPASS in Australian schools.
Welcome Pack evaluation
Our research study evaluating Reframing Autism's free, Autistic-led Welcome Pack revealed that the resource supports newly diagnosed Autistic adults to find belonging, reflect on their identity and navigate self-advocacy.
This work highlights a collaborative approach to adapting measurement scales for Autistic adults. We learned that the adapted scale is a reliable and valid method for measuring loneliness in Autistic adults.
Campus Life evaluation
Our new study found that an inclusive post-school transition program designed for Autistic youth with intellectual disability, Campus Life, supports Autistic youth with intellectual disability in building friendships, confidence and independence.
Optometry Australia story
Drs Chris Edwards and Tom Tutton feature in Optometry Australia's series of stories acknowledging those working to make eye care more accessible, affirming and inclusive for Autistic Australians.
New Aspect Autism Alert Cards
Aspect has updated its Autism Alert Cards and introduced a new, durable plastic version in response to ARCAP's research study exploring the experiences of 270 cardholders.
Find arcap-aus on Bluesky
ARCAP has joined Bluesky. Follow us to stay abreast of our latest news – arcap-aus.bsky.social. We also post regular updates on LinkedIn and X.
From my perspective – autism and the pregnancy experiences of Autistic people
At a recent Royal Women's Hospital Grand Round, ARCAP Research Fellow, Dr Abbey Love presented a top level summary of Aspect’s new research study on the experiences of Autistic parents during pregnancy and early parenthood. The presentation was greatly
enhanced by Autistic parents/researchers/study participants, Hayley Clapham and Lee Squires who shared their lived experiences.
"Don't mistake our directness for rudeness and don't dismiss our questions as anxiety or an attempt to challenge your authority. Instead, acknowledge, respect and accommodate our communication differences."
Hayley Clapham
Free ARCAP Webinar – Amplifying unheard voices, 7 April
This interactive webinar will bring together researchers, an Autistic person with an intellectual disability, and a parent of an Autistic person with an intellectual disability to explore how to create more inclusive research practices. We will discuss key gaps identified in a recent systematic review and examine ways to ensure that people with intellectual disability are meaningfully and equitably included in research that affects them.
Last call! Take part in our eye care study
We invite Autistic adults and parents/carers of Autistic people (Australia and New Zealand) to take part in our new research project to improve eye care services for Autistic people. We are particularly keen to hear from more parents/carers of Autistic people.
Participants will complete a 20–30 minute online survey about their experiences and insights of eye care. Aspect will donate $2 (AUD) to the participants’ choice of one of three Australian charities, once they have completed the survey.
If you would like to know more about ARCAP research studies that you can participate in, please join our mailing list. There is no obligation to take part in any of our studies and you can unsubscribe at any time.
