Kavindri Kulasinghe

Supervisors: Dr Koa Whittingham, Dr Amy Mitchell

Research Project: Environmental Enrichment for infants; parenting with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An intervention for infants at risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by repetitive and restricted behaviours as well as difficulties in social communication. ASD can have a large impact on the individual affected as well as their family. Siblings of older children with ASD are at an increased chance of developing ASD themselves. In addition to this, parents of children with ASD often have adverse mental health outcomes due to the complexity involved in managing ASD in their children.  Therefore, the main focus of my research will be on delivering an innovative very early parenting intervention to support infants at risk of ASD and their parents.