CliniKids

16/09/2026

Every family’s journey is unique, and hearing from others who have walked a similar path can make all the difference. 💛

These reflections from parents and caregivers who have completed PACT (Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy) at CliniKids offer a glimpse into their experiences of the program.

Through personalised coaching and feedback, PACT supports parents and caregivers to build confidence, strengthen connection and support their child’s communication during everyday interactions.

👉 Swipe through to hear what families had to say about their PACT journey.
Interested in learning more? Find more info or register your interest: https://tinyurl.com/4yvza7ee

The Kids Research Institute Australia

15/09/2026

The 2026 National Autism Parent and Caregiver Survey is now open, and hundreds of parents and caregivers across Australia have already shared their experiences.

If you are a parent, caregiver or family member of an autistic child or adult, this is an opportunity to have your voice heard and contribute to evidence that can help inform future policy, supports and services.

We encourage families in our community to take part and share the survey with others who may be interested.

⏱️ The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
🔗 Take part here: https://shorturl.at/sMMNr

The Kids Research Institute Australia | Autism Australia |The University of Western Australia

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D6xfBXd7q/

The sleepless nights, the paperwork, the juggle of services and supports - we see you. And it's time the rest of Australia did too. We’ve partnered with CliniKids, part of The Kids Research Institute Australia, and the The University of Western Australia for the 2026 National Autism Parent and Caregiver Survey.

If you're an Australian parent or primary caregiver (18+) of an autistic child, young person or adult, please take the time to have your say — around 30 minutes, completely anonymous.

The survey closes at 11:59pm on Monday 5th October. Your answers will be used to inform policy, supports and service design, with findings published in January 2027.

Take the survey here: https://uwa.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0oZipmkFo5nSUpo

13/09/2026

Are you parent or family member who cares for an autistic child or adult? Have your say!

We’ve partnered with Autism Association of Australia and the University of Western Australia for the 2026 National Autism Parent and Caregiver Survey.

If you're an Australian parent or primary caregiver (18+) of an autistic child, young person or adult, please take the time to have your say on your family’s experience. The survey takes around 30 minutes online and is completely anonymous. Closes 11:59pm, Monday 5th October.

Your answers will be used to inform policy, supports and service design. They will also help shape CliniKids’ COMPASS program, a game-changing approach that will provide more accessible, efficient and personalised assessments for children, reducing time spent on waitlists and appointment costs for families.

Survey findings will be published in January 2027.

Take the survey: https://shorturl.at/sMMNr

The Kids Research Institute Australia | Autism Australia | The University of Western Australia

10/09/2026

When going to school feels too hard 💚

For some children, going to school can feel overwhelming, distressing or even impossible.

Often referred to as school refusal or ‘school can’t’, difficulties attending school can be influenced by many factors – from anxiety and uncertainty to sensory needs, learning demands, social interactions and transitions.

So rather than only asking, “How do we get them back to school?”, it can help to start with a different question:

💭 “What is making school difficult for this child?”
In our latest article, CliniKids Clinical Psychologist Dr Mei’en Lim and Neuropsychologist and Research Fellow Dr Jack Brett explore:
🔹 What school refusal or ‘school can’t’ can look like
🔹 Some of the reasons a child may find school difficult
🔹 Early signs families and educators can look out for
🔹 Practical ways to support a child’s wellbeing and participation

The article is based on our Autism Seminar Series webinar, Understanding school refusal / school can’t and how to help

👉 Read the article https://tinyurl.com/2se78aab

The Kids Research Institute Australia

09/09/2026

What if getting your child dressed, brushing teeth or getting out the door in the morning could feel a little easier?

Everyday family routines can feel challenging for some children - and finding strategies that actually work for your family can make all the difference.

Our Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) program pairs parents and caregivers of autistic or developmentally delayed kids with an experienced occupational therapist.

Working one-on-one with your OT, you’ll be supported to:
✨ Set goals that matter to you
✨ Build confidence in supporting your child
✨ Find solutions that fit your family's routines
✨ Learn skills that continue long after coaching ends

Suitable for parents and caregivers of children aged 0–9, with or without a diagnosis, who are looking for extra support with everyday participation and family life.

📍 Available at CliniKids in Subiaco or Joondalup
💻 Or online via telehealth
⏱️ 60-minute sessions, weekly or fortnightly
👉 Learn more about OPC: https://tinyurl.com/5y53jbye

The Kids Research Institute Australia

08/09/2026

🕵️ Secret Agent training starts here!

What if learning about emotions and friendships felt like an exciting mission?

The Secret Agent Society (SAS) is an award-winning, evidence-based small group program that uses gamified, secret agent-themed learning to help children aged 8–10 develop skills to:

•Understand emotions
•Manage anxiety and anger
•Build friendships
•Navigate everyday social challenges

Originally developed for autistic children, research now supports SAS for children with a range of neurodiverse and diagnostic profiles. At CliniKids, no formal diagnosis is required to participate.

Parents are part of the mission too, helping children practise and build on their new skills at home. SAS is led by experienced CliniKids clinicians.

🕵️ Our next intake is NOW OPEN

💻 Wednesday | Telehealth | September - December
Initial parent-only session: September 30
Parent sessions: October 14 – December 9, 1pm-1.45pm
Child sessions: October 14 – December 9, 3.30pm-5pm
3-month follow-up: March 24
6-month follow-up: June 23

Ready to help your child unlock their inner Secret Agent?

Register your interest: https://tinyurl.com/4fkcmx2d

The Kids Research Institute Australia

04/09/2026

✨Our friends at Divergent Therapy & Think Autism are planning an exciting upcoming workshop with Debbie Atkins: Toilet Time – Developing Toilet Skills in Young Children. 🚽

Interested in learning more? Check out their post below and complete the expression of interest form to be notified once workshop details are confirmed. ✨

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1M2WapTJa7/

📣 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST — TOILET TIME: DEVELOPING TOILET SKILLS IN YOUNG CHILDREN with Debbie Atkins

Achieving independence with toileting is an important milestone in a child’s life. However, learning to use the toilet takes time, and there can often be challenges along the way.

💭 Do you want to start teaching toilet skills with your child but are not sure where to begin?
💭 Are you having difficulties introducing a toilet routine?
💭 Are you interested in exploring different strategies to support your child’s toilet learning?

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from Perth parents and caregivers of children aged 3-6 years for our upcoming Toilet Time workshop with Debbie Atkins, Occupational Therapist and Continence & Toileting Expert.

This 2-hour, evidence-informed and interactive workshop is designed to equip parents and caregivers with practical knowledge and strategies to support their child’s toilet learning journey.

Interested in attending?
Complete our Expression of Interest form to be notified when workshop details are confirmed.
🔗 https://ToiletTime-EOI.eventbrite.com
📍 Perth, WA

Hosted by Divergent Therapy & Think Autism
https://www.divergenttherapy.com.au
https://www.thinkautism.com.au

03/09/2026

Do you work with young children that require social communication support?

Become a certified PACT (Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy) therapist through CliniKids with our upcoming online training.

As a PACT therapist, you will coach caregivers to support their child’s social and communication skills. Through feedback on filmed parent-child interactions, caregivers learn to recognise and respond to their child’s communication in ways that support their development.

Registrations are now open for the 2027 online PACT training for allied health professionals looking to become a certified PACT therapist

📅2027 PACT Training Dates📅
Level 2 Training - 13, 15, 20 and 22 April, 9am-1pm (AWST)
Group Supervision - 24 June, 9am-1pm (AWST)

Level 2 Training - 13, 15, 20 and 22 September, 9am-1pm (AWST)
Group Supervision - 24 November, 9am-1pm (AWST)

PACT is backed by high-quality research. 🔗 For more information and to register for this professional training, visit: https://tinyurl.com/3m86puxb

The Kids Research Institute Australia

02/09/2026

🏆Congratulations to our Director, Professor Andrew Whitehouse, who is a finalist for Scientist of the Year in the 2026 Premier's Science Awards!

As the Deputy Executive Director at The Kids Research Institute, Director of CliniKids and Angela Wright Bennett Chair of Autism Research, Professor Whitehouse has spent over two decades transforming autism care through internationally recognised research that has reshaped understanding, diagnosis and clinical support for autistic children.

From pioneering early intervention approaches now implemented globally to leading the development of Australia's National Clinical Guidelines, his work ensures children with autism and developmental differences get the right support, when they need it most.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive as themselves. It's about removing barriers in their lives so they can be whoever they want to be." - Prof. Andrew Whitehouse

Congratulations to all six outstanding researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia who have been named as finalists across four categories in this year's Premier's Science Awards. 🎉

01/09/2026

Parent Info Session | Let’s Play - Presented by Marie Rodatz, CliniKids lead Occupational Therapist.

📅 Friday, 11th September
🕐 10:45am – 11:45am AWST | 12:45pm – 1:45pm AEST

Play is an important part of how children learn, connect and explore the world around them. Understanding your child’s play and finding simple ways to support and build on their interests can help create meaningful opportunities for learning and connection.

Join our FREE upcoming Let’s Play parent information session to explore practical ideas and strategies to support your child’s play through everyday activities and interactions.

You’ll learn about:
🧸 Development of play skills
🧸 Strengths of autistic children relating to play
🧸 Ideas to promote authentic play
🧸 Redefining play in a neuro-affirming way
🧸 Ideas how to support play with peers

Register now: https://tinyurl.com/yyybp7ar

The Kids Research Institute Australia