Research Requests
AV regularly receives requests from researchers to advertise opportunities for our community to participate in their research projects.
Each of the research studies listed below are current academic studies researching various aspects of the lives and experiences of individuals within our community.
They include information about the goal of the study, the participant eligibility criteria, what participation involves, and any remuneration or compensation for your time and input.
If you meet the eligibility criteria for any of the below studies and would like to participate, please click the link provided for that study to find out more or to register.
If you would like to know more about any of the studies, please contact the nominated researcher for more information.
Information for researchers
If you are an academic researcher seeking participants for a current study relevant to our community and you would like to advertise your study on our website, Please complete our research request form.
This form will ask you a series of questions about your study. Our admin team will use your responses to prepare a dot-point summary for upload to our website.
The form will also ask you to upload a PDF of your study's ethics approval. Please note that we cannot upload a study without an ethics approval.
When both of these steps have been completed, our research volunteer will be in contact with you to confirm that we have all of the required information and to advise you of the next steps.
All research requests are being processed by our Engagements Coordinator, which means that it may take a little longer for your study to be uploaded or for you to receive a response.
Studies currently seeking participants
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The Lived Experience of Asian Migrant Mothers of Children with Disability in Australia
This study explores the daily lived experiences of mothers of children with disability who migrated from Southeast and East Asia to Australia. We aim to understand how they use their time, the activities they engage in—including beyond caregiving—their thoughts and feelings about these activities, and how these experiences affect their wellbeing.
University/ Institution/ Faculty conducting this study:
School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney
Xinyi Yu, PhD candidate
Who is eligible to participate?
We are looking for people who are;
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Are mothers
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Are aged 18 years old or over
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Have at least one child, aged 0-18 years, with any type of disability
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Migrated from a Southeast or East Asian country.
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Currently live in Australia.
What does participating involve?
Participants will be asked to complete an anonymous online survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes. After completing the questionnaire, they will be invited to indicate whether they are interested in receiving information about a follow-up interview. This is only an expression of interest—not a commitment to participate.
How will this research help people with Aspergers/Autistic people?
This research does not directly improve the lives of people with Asperger’s or those who are autistic. However, mothers are usually primary caregiver for their children with Aspergers or autism. Much research has demonstrated that caregivers’ daily activities are closely linked to their own wellbeing and quality of life—which, in turn, can influence the wellbeing of the children with disability in their care and even the whole family. Thus, a focused investigation into this group could further provide valuable insights for service providers and policymakers, ensuring that support services are culturally responsive and effectively address the specific challenges these migrant mothers face.
How can I register to participate?
Interested parties can click HERE
Researcher contact details:
Xinyi Yu, PhD candidate, xiyu0596@uni.sydney.edu.au
Closing date: 31 July 2026Early Childhood PathsWe are doing a study on family experiences of health and community support for babies with early signs of social or communication differences. Sometimes, the social and communication skills of babies can develop differently to what we expect – they may communicate, play, or interact with people or the environment differently to other babies of the same age. This study has received funding from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). University/ Institution/ Faculty conducting this study: The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University Professor Nora Shields, Chief Investigator Dr Samantha Wright, Research Project Manager Who is eligible to participate? Families of babies who:
What does participating involve? Taking part involves completing surveys and taking videos using your phone or computer three times over the course of one year. You will also be asked to complete a monthly log of the support services you receive. Are participants eligible for compensation / remuneration for completing the study? Families will receive a gesture of thanks at each of these three time points. At the end of the study, we will support eligible families to access an autism assessment for their young child in Victoria. Specific details can be accessed via the registration link. How will this research help people with Aspergers/Autistic people? Findings will be reported to the NDIA and research articles and presentations will contribute to research that can inform future program and policy development. How can I register to participate? To register interest in participating click HERE Find out more by contacting early.childhood.paths@latrobe.edu.au Closing date: 30 June 2026 |
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AI for All? AI use among Neurodivergent IndividualsIn this study, we seek to explore the use of AI companions among Neurodivergent individuals, examining how these technologies are used, the benefits and risks they may pose, and how Neurodivergent people can be supported to engage with AI in ways that are safe, ethical, and empowering. This is a short anonymous online survey University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: La Trobe University Melissa Black, Associate Professor, La Trobe University Stuart Bender, Associate Professor, Curtin University Dr Louise White, Postdoctoral Researcher, La Trobe University Who is eligible to participate? Neurodivergent individuals (including Autistic individuals), caregivers/loved ones of Neurodivergent individuals, professionals working with Neurodivergent individuals. What does participating involve? Brief online anonymous survey (~10 minutes) Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Not for the current study given it is anonymous, however, we will also be performing interviews at a later date where individuals will receive a gift voucher Is travel required? No travel is required. How will this research help the Autism community? Neurodivergent individuals, including those who are Autistic, are at risk of exclusion in digital spaces, particularly as Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies expand in popularity and apparent accessibility. This is part of a larger project where we will seek to co-produce guidelines for safe, ethical and empowering AI use for Neurodivergent (including Autistic) individuals. How can potential participants register to participate? Directly via survey link: https://redcap.link/vh2b0mip Where can interested Individuals find more information? More information can be found by following the survey link or by contacting m.black@latrobe.edu.au Close Date: 30 June 2026 |
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Autism Across GenerationsWe are conducting a survey study to better understand the impact of parental characteristics on the mental health and masking of autistic adolescents/youth. University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study: University of British Columbia Melissa Lazo, Ph.D Candidate - Co-Investigator Thomas Schanding, Ph.D - Principal Investigator Who is eligible to participate? Autistic adolescents/youth and one of their parents. The autistic youth must be ages 13-21, live in Canada, USA, England, or Australia, must have a formal autism diagnosis, and no history of intellectual disability. The parent must live with the youth at least 3 days of the week. What does participating involve? The parent and youth will complete two one-time online surveys. The Parents survey takes 10 minutes to complete, while the adolescent survey takes approximately 15 minutes. The parent survey will include a background questionnaire and an autism traits questionnaire. The adolescent survey will involve a background questionnaire, as well as an Autism trait, mental health and masking questionnaire. Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study? Participating families will have the opportunity to enter a draw to win one of ten $50CAD (or equivalent) e-gift cards. Is travel required? No travel is required. Surveys completed online. How will this research help the Autism community? Although autism has a strong genetic component and research highlights the benefits of autistic people interacting with other autistic individuals, little is known about families in which both a parent and child are autistic. Even less research has explored how having an autistic parent may influence the mental health and masking of autistic teens. By focusing on these relationships, this project seeks to bring forward the voices of autistic adolescents and their families. The knowledge gained can help inform more effective, affirming supports for autistic teens and their parents, ensuring that services are better tailored to their lived experiences and unique strengths. How can potential participants register to participate? Interested individuals can go to this link: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4V20HTRZw8HJTfM Where can interested Individuals find more information? More information can be found by contacting Melissa Lazo: melilazo@student.ubc.ca Close Date: 31/08/2026 |
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Parenting as an Autistic Adult: Challenges, Strengths, and Support Needs
This ethics-approved PhD project explores the parenting experiences, strengths, challenges, and support needs of Autistic adults. It includes interviews with Autistic parents and an online survey comparing Autistic and non-Autistic parents, with attention to Autistic fathers’ underrepresented perspectives.University/Institution/Faculty conducting this study:
Deakin University, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health
Aida Karimi - PhD Candidate
Who is eligible to participate?
Adults aged 18+ who are parents or caregivers and can read English.
Study 1 is open to formally diagnosed or self-identified Autistic parents.
Study 2 is open to Autistic and non-Autistic parents.
Autistic fathers are especially encouraged to participate.
What does participating involve?
Study 1 involves one online/remote interview with an Autistic parent, taking 60-90 minutes.
Study 2 involves one online survey, taking 25-35 minutes.
Questions cover parenting, stress, family functioning, support needs, and Autistic parenting experiences, which may feel personal or sensitive. Participants may skip questions or stop at any time.
Are participants eligible for compensation/remuneration for completing this study?
Study 1 interview participants will receive a AUD $30 gift card after completing the interview.
Study 2 survey participants may enter a random draw to win one of four AUD $50 gift cards.
Compensation details are provided in the Plain Language Statement.
Is travel required?
No travel is required. Participation is conducted online or remotely.
How will this research help the Autism community?
This research aims to improve understanding of Autistic parents' real experinces, strengths, challenges, and support needs. Findings may help inform more respectful, neuro-affirming parenting supports, services, and community resources. By including Autistic fathers and other underrepresented parents, the study may also help make future research and services more inclusive of diverse Autistic parenting experiences.
How can potential participants register to participate?
Potential participants can contact the researcher, Aida Karimi, by email at s223692188@deakin.edu.au to request the Plain Language Statement or further information about the study.
Close Date: 15/02/2027
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