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Mirko is a medically trained research-focused academic with a background in developmental psychology, psychometrics, and big data science. His research takes a life-span perspective and is driven by the urgent need to improve outcomes for people on the autism spectrum and with other neurodevelopmental and neuropsy

Telehealth can support families with their goals

In this blog, Speech Pathology Clinical Lead Aria May looks at telehealth and how it can support children and families with their therapy goals.

ABC Radio Perth DRIVE interview with Andrew Whitehouse

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.

Serve and return interactions

In this blog, Speech Pathology Clinical Lead Aria May discusses serve and return interactions to promote connection and communication with your child.

Being social (or not!) in play, any way is OK

This is the second blog in our new series about what play is and its importance.

Neuro-affirming waiting rooms

In this blog, Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead Marie Rodatz discusses the elements needed to create a neuro-affirming environment that supports neurodiverse individuals.

Autism diagnoses are up, largely fuelled by the NDIS. What happens next isn’t entirely clear

In this article, Deputy Director of the Kids Research Institute Australia, Andrew Whitehouse explores why diagnosis rates have risen and what proposed NDIS reforms could mean for autistic children, families and future access to supports. Published by The Conversation on the 15th April 2026

As the definition of autism expands, are we losing sight of those with the greatest needs?

Deputy Director Andrew Whitehouse and Head of Autism / Senior Principal Research Fellow, David Trembath explore how the evolving definition of autism may affect the identification and support of autistic people, particularly those with the highest support needs. Published by The Conversation on the 14th May 2026.

Screening all 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds for developmental delay makes sense. But diagnosing autism is different

David Trembath, Head of Autism Research and Senior Principal Research Fellow, at The Kids Research Institute, explains why developmental screening is important and why autism diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment. Published by The Conversation on the 17th June 2026

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways that people experience and interact with the world around them. Each person’s brain works differently, meaning no two brains are the same.