Autism, neurodiversity and inclusion

International leaders in reshaping how society thinks about autism and education

The Griffith Institute for Educational Research is proud to be one of the world’s foremost leaders in autism, neurodiversity and inclusion research. Our strengths-based philosophy to understanding diverse learners means co-designing research where all stakeholders have a voice. We also excel in research on gifted and talented education and the experience of twice and multiple exceptional learners.

Major areas

Autism – Strengths-based approaches
Autism across the life span
Inclusivity – Strengths-based approaches to disability

Key Highlight

Autism Centre of Excellence

The Autism Centre of Excellence (ACE) has a mission to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism by supporting learning—from early childhood to education and employment. We provide training to parents and professionals in multidisciplinary settings and undertake research expanding knowledge about autism and autism intervention. ACE is highly respected globally for its leadership and evidence–based practice and collaborative approach, drawing on expertise from education, health and behavioural sciences.

Autism Centre of Excellence

Recent projects

Dawn Adams; Glenn Melvin; Jessica Paynter; Kate Simpson; Jacquiline den Houting; Kylie Gray. (2023) Every Day Matters: Reducing School Non-Attendance in Autistic Students. Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Grant, $331,885
Dawn Adams, Kate Simpson, Jessica Paynter, Marleen Westerveld, Elizabeth Pellicano, David Trembath, Jac Houting, Martin Downes. (2022). Enhancing Quality of Life through an early Intervention co-developed with the autistic community (E-QoL-ITY). Medical Research Future Fun. $579 747.48.
Dawn Adams, Stephanie Malone, Nicole Dargue, Kate Simpson. (2022) Reducing barriers to wellbeing and learning for students on the autism spectrum through supportive and inclusive physical environments. Education Horizon Research Grant, $51,669.
Dawn Adams, Kate Simpson, Sonya Girdler (Curtin University. (2022) Mapping of Current Evidence, Practice and Policy Landscape, Autism CRC Limited grant $169,967
Kate Simpson, Dawn Adams, Jessica Paynter, Marleen Westerveld, Larah Van Der Meer (Victoria University of Wellington), Quality of life and well-being of autistic individuals with complex support or communication needs, Autism CRC Limited grant $61,617
Dawn Adams, Kate Simpson. (2020). MINDS Autism Foundation PL Hub Program. MINDS Institute of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities CCR. $280,115.
Dawn Adams, Kate Simpson, Martine Powell. (2020). Autism and sexual offending. Queensland Police Service CCR . $265,384.
Marleen Westerveld, Jessica Paynter, D. McCartney, D. Smith. Providing early literacy sessions in libraries to pre-schoolers on the autism spectrum and their parents. Autism CRC Limited Grant. $77,350.
Jacqui Roberts, Dawn Adams, Kate Simpson, Marleen Westerveld, Deb Keen, D. Trembath. (2014-2020). Longitudinal Study of Students with Autism (LASA). Autism Cooperative Research Centre, $661,989 ($1,063,000 inc. in-kind)
Dawn Adams, Kate Simpson, Deb Keen, R. Rapee, K. Tucker, J. Rodgers. (2019). Improving academic outcomes by moderating anxiety in children with autism. Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project grant. $418,407.
Dawn Adams, Jacqueline Roberts, Kate Thompson, Deb Keen. (2019). PACE: Partnering with the Autism Community to Enhance Research. GU Research Infrastructure Program Grant.
Dawn Adams, Jacqueline Roberts. (2019). Development of the Online Autism Capability Profile. Queensland Department of Education, Autism Hub. $93,310.
Jacqueline Roberts, Kate Simpson, Dawn Adams, Donna Pendergast. Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore CCR. MINDS Autism Program. $636,849.

Contact details

Phone: (07) 3735 5779

Email: GIER@griffith.edu.au

Location, delivery and postal address: Griffith Institute for Educational Research; Social Sciences Building (M10), Level 5, Room 5.13; Griffith University, Mt Gravatt campus; Messines Ridge Road; Mt Gravatt Qld 4122

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Strengths based approaches to autism, neurodiversity and inclusion

Key Highlight

Autism Centre of Excellence

Contact details

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