Search
Research
Early life determinants of health: Invest early to break the cycle of long-term disadvantage in neurodevelopmental disordersThis chapter discusses the importance of investment in early life determinants of health to break the cycle of long-term disadvantage. This chapter addresses these issues while focussing on neurodevelopmental disorders and their related mental health concerns as the targets at the centre of a biopsychosocial transformation of the health system.
Research
Perspectives of trans and gender diverse young people accessing primary care and gender-affirming medical services: Findings from Trans PathwaysIncreasing numbers of trans young people are seeking medical services worldwide, but there have been few qualitative investigations of the experiences of trans young people attempting to engage with these services to explore in-depth experiences of clinical interactions.
Research
Occurrence of psychosis and bipolar disorder in adults with autism: A systematic review and meta-analysisEvidence suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder have increased rates of co-occurring psychosis and/or bipolar disorder. Considering the peak age of onset for psychosis and bipolar disorder occurs in adulthood, we investigated the co-occurrence of these disorders in adults with autism.
Research
Within- and between-person relationships between spontaneous self-affirmations, coping style, and wellbeingSelf-affirmations—responding to self-threatening information by reflecting on positive values or strengths—help to realign working self-concept and may support adaptive coping and wellbeing. Little research has been undertaken on spontaneous self-affirmations in response to everyday threats, and less has been undertaken on the relationships between spontaneous self-affirmations, coping, and wellbeing.

News & Events
Roadmap unveiled to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQA+ youthWalkern Katatdjin researcher and lead author Mx Shakara Liddelow-Hunt leads a conversation with the community on the key actions to include in the Roadmap.

News & Events
Maggie Dent visits The Kids Research Institute Australia as part of research for new bookWe were delighted to have Australia’s best-known parenting author, Maggie Dent, back at The Kids Research Institute Australia this week, to talk about the mental health of our teenagers.
Research
Lived Experiences of Empowerment in Parents of Trans Children and AdolescentsThe construct of empowerment is associated with beneficial outcomes in numerous populations with well-being across multiple domains. Within families, empowerment has been found to be related to both parent and child well-being. As such, empowerment appears to be a promising concept to support parents of young (< 18 years) trans and gender diverse children and adolescents; however, what empowerment means for parents of trans children and adolescents is not known.
Research
Analysis of risk factors associated with suicidality in children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Western AustraliaIndividuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are at an elevated suicide risk compared with those in the general population. This public health issue warrants further research attention to help inform the development of prevention and intervention efforts. Our study is the first to characterize suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation/suicide attempt) and explore associated risk factors in young individuals with FASD within the Australian context.
Research
“An expected part of being trans”: The experienced and anticipated stigma of trans adolescentsTrans adolescents experience and anticipate stigma to the detriment of their mental health; however, trans adolescents have rarely been consulted about their stigma experiences. This study aimed to understand trans adolescents’ lived experiences of experienced and anticipated stigma.
Research
Perspectives of LGBTQA+ young people on suicide prevention services in AustraliaLGBTQA + people are less likely to access mental health care despite an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes including suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The present study aimed to explore Australian LGBTQA + young people's perceptions of key factors associated with access to suicide prevention services.