NAVIGATE

NAVIGATE (Navigating Autism through Visual Information, Guidance, Access, Translation and Engagement) is a co-designed multilingual digital resource that supports culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families following an autism diagnosis. Through translated information, multimedia resources, and culturally responsive guidance, NAVIGATE aims to help families better understand autism and navigate services with confidence.

Key aims/objectives

• Develop a multilingual digital autism navigation resource with CALD families and key stakeholders.
• Provide culturally appropriate, professionally translated information and support resources.
• Increase parents' understanding of autism and available services.
• Improve families' confidence in accessing and navigating support systems.
• Evaluate the usability, acceptability, and cultural appropriateness of NAVIGATE.

Expected outcomes or impact

• Improved access to autism information and support for CALD families.
• Greater parent confidence and knowledge following diagnosis.
• Better engagement with health, education, and community services.
• Reduced barriers to accessing autism supports.
• Evidence to support broader implementation and integration into routine care, improving equity in autism support across Australia.

Project team members

• Dr Antonia Kish, Research Fellow, Health Research Institute (Project Lead)
• Dr Natasha Kish, Paediatrician, Child Development Assessment Service, South Western Sydney LHD, NSW Health (Co-lead)
• Dr Sally Fitzpatrick, Senior Research Fellow, Health Research Institute (Co-Investigator)
• Dr Anna Syme, Research Officer - Visualisation and Data Analytics, Health Research Institute (Co-Investigator)
• Dr Thrishila Parshu Ram, Research Fellow, Health Research Institute (Co-Investigator)
• Dr Susan Hartono, Research Fellow, Faculty of Health & Biostatistician, Canberra Health Services (Co-Investigator)
• Dr Phoebe Hoff, Paediatrician, Sydney Children's Hospital, NSW Health (Co-Investigator)
• Dr Romy Hurwitz, Paediatrician, Child Development Assessment Service, South Western Sydney LHD, NSW Health (Co-Investigator)
• Dr Pankaj Garg, Paediatrician, Child Development Assessment Service, South Western Sydney LHD, NSW Health (Co-Investigator)

Some of our past work

Kish N, Hoff P, Kish A, Hurwitz R, Garg P. Development and evaluation of an autism information pack for culturally and linguistically diverse families: a quality improvement initiative. BMJ Paediatrics Open. 2025;9:e003845. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2025-003845