As part of a new webinar series in partnership with our research partners listed above, we covered three very diverse but equally as interesting subjects for the Autistic community.

Dr Nick Bowden spoke about his research on the impact of health and education-based supports for autistic young people.  His findings in a recent study showing that while Autistic students are suspended and stood down at higher rates than non-autistic students, those with high need education-based funding support (ORS), have substantially lower rates of suspensions. His talk also highlighted the potential for more future research into this area to better support the Autistic community.

Director of the Liggins Institute Professor Justin O’Sullivan (pictured middle) talks about the very latest of what we know about the genetics of autism through his team’s research. Researchers have known that genes contribute to autism since the 1970’s. More recently scientists at the Liggins Institute have been able to use new technologies to examine the role that these genes play more closely in autism.

Professor Wayne Cutfield takes you through the latest research we have on the gut microbiome and the benefits of gut microbiome transfer for those with autism and also suffering with gut issues.  The gut microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms including bacteria that naturally live in our gut. These bacteria help us to digest and extract nutrients from food.  Gut microbiome transfer is an emerging therapy for microbiome restoration that involves the transfer of gut microbiome from healthy donors to people with a disordered gut microbiome. Gut microbiome transfer is currently being tested as a treatment in a range of conditions.

Professor Riz Firestone recently held a fono Wellington. The fono brought together Pasifika researchers, stakeholders, relevant government agencies and community groups as well as representatives from those already working on projects funded by the A Better Start Challenge. 

The fono aimed to explore and develop the framework of action plans for proposed implementation projects, topics, or ideas, arising from A Better Start (ABS) strategic research projects. The focus was on how to advance the health and wellbeing among Pasifika children in New Zealand.

To achieve this purpose, the fono facilitated an open exchange of ideas and topics among Pasifika researchers, stakeholders, and relevant representatives from the central government agencies. Then explored, developed, and prioritised areas of topics for culturally centered projects that strongly align with the ABS mission and are focused on advancing Pasifika child wellbeing.

It was a great event with so many great discussions and ideas shared. We look forward to sharing more outcomes with you in future newsletters. 

Karolina Stasiak from the HABITS project team presented on Headstrong at the 43rd Annual Society for Mental Health Research (SMHR) Conference in Perth, Australia.

Her talk was on “The evolution of Headstrong: A year and a half on from a national launch of a digital wellbeing tool for New Zealand adolescents”. Karolina said she noted “Excellent feedback from our Aussie colleagues about our work and achievements on Headstrong”.

Headstrong was developed by a team of experts in digital innovation for youth mental health from the University of Auckland. The tool’s content draws on Māori, Pacific and Western science. It uses Te Whare Tapa Whā as the holistic wellbeing model. A Chatbot in various forms simulates a conversation in real time as if the user was talking with a real person. 

The psychological strategies used in Headstrong are based on culturally responsive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), positive psychology (e.g. gratitude), mindfulness, interpersonal skills, and substance use harm-minimisation strategies. 

Click here to learn more about Headstrong and check out more about the conference here at smhrconference.

The team behind an innovative approach to children’s literacy that has helped over 45,000 Kiwi kids is being honoured with the 2023 University of Canterbury Innovation Medal in recognition of the transformative impact of their work developing the Better Start Literacy Approach, and their success in using evidence-based research to boost children’s skills in reading, writing and oral language.
 
Since its introduction in February 2020, the Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) has been adopted in more than 850 schools - nearly half of all New Zealand state primary schools, and been taught by over 3650 junior class teachers and literacy specialists. 

Congratulations to Dr Amy Scott, Deputy Director of A Better Start - National Science Challenge E Tipu e Rea Professor Gail Gillon,  Associate Professor Brigid McNeil, and Associate Professor Alison Arrow (pictured left to right).

The Stanford Elsevier database uses a standardised citation method as the basis for ranking the top two percent of scientists. It is one way to show influence and impact in research globally. We are proud to congratulate the Director of A Better Start National Science Challenge, Professor Wayne Cutfield for being named as part of this distinguished list of scientists. 

Did you know that your future is shaped by both your mum’s and dad’s health? During pregnancy, what your mum ate may have influenced how your metabolism works.  

In an earlier public lecture which is now available online, Liggins researchers Dr Ben Albert, Gergely Toldi and Mariana Muelbert discussed optimal nutrition for parents and their babies. Ben's research was co-funded by A Better Start and Cure Kids. Check out this clip from Ben’s presentation exploring nutrition in pregnancy and how that can potentially impact them for the rest of their lives.