Chief Investigator:

Associate Professor Parimala Raghavendra

Research Area:

Improving children’s mental health and the impact of developmental disorders.
Community Based Study

Funding Amount:

$99,277

Recipient:

Flinders University

Overview:

Nearly 40% of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum experience mental health issues such as social anxiety and difficulties with interactions. This has a significant effect on everyday participation, including attending school, meeting friends, and using public transport. To date, there is limited research in using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other therapies to treat anxiety in adolescents on the autism spectrum. Interventions that pique an adolescent’s natural interests, may provide opportunities for engagement and reducing anxiety. This project aims to investigate whether collaborative LEGO® robotics therapy can reduce anxiety and increase social skills in adolescents on the autism spectrum.