A new research project looking into the early identification of autism expects to provide evidence that earlier detection and support will lead to better life outcomes for autistic children and their families across health, education and social participation. The project is an alliance between Laura Fergusson Trust Incorporated (LFT Auckland), Autism New Zealand (Autism NZ), the University of Otago and the University of Canterbury with the support of a financial grant from the Joyce Fisher Endowment Fund Trust (JFEF). Autism NZ is using an early surveillance tool (the SACS) developed by Associate Professor Josie Barbaro at La Trobe University to educate Early Childhood Teachers to identify the early signs of autism. An associated early support programme called Let's Play, developed by Autism NZ, provides workshops for professionals and parents to learn key strategies to support quality engagement. The programme is based on Autism NZ's Way to Play education programme. Funding from the project will enable Autism NZ to scale up Let's Play, which is due to start running in Auckland in early November. It will enable more families who are part of waiting lists for diagnosis and support from the Ministries of Education and Health to participate. A parent who participated in a Let's Play programme pilot commented, "I wasn't sure about the programme because it's a big time commitment, but I'm so glad I did. I loved that it didn't just focus on my child, but us as parents too, getting to know each other and putting some focus on our wellbeing. I left the group session feeling good and that through using the simple strategies with my child this week, I really do feel a closer connection with him." Associate Professor Laurie McLay from the University of Canterbury will lead research on early childhood teachers' experience with the training programme and ongoing use of the SACS tool. The team will also evaluate the impact of the Let's Play programme on children's social communication and parent wellbeing. "We are delighted to be contributing toward a project that can make a long-term contribution toward the early identification of autism and associated whānau support. This collaboration between Autism New Zealand, Laura Fergusson Trust, the University of Canterbury and the University of Otago has the potential to provide a comprehensive picture of the benefits of early support for Autistic children," says McLay. Nick Bowden from the University of Otago will lead research using national datasets to determine the potential for early identification and support to improve life outcomes for autistic children and their families and reduce associated fiscal costs. The team will examine outcomes and costs across various areas, including health, education and social welfare. "We are excited to be a part of a research project that has the potential to impact the lives of so many in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The use of big data for autism research remains a largely untapped resource. We are looking forward to utilising this rich source of information to contribute to a better understanding of autism in Aotearoa and quantifying the value of better supports and services," says Bowden. LFT Auckland saw the opportunity to partner with Autism NZ and the Universities for early identification research to broaden its services and support sustainable services that will positively impact the disability community. One of the prospective benefits of conducting this research in New Zealand is the opportunity to utilise the learnings from the early identification of autism and potentially extend it to include other neurodivergent conditions and disabilities. LFT Auckland was already working to demonstrate how specific self-directed funding applications could provide improved outcomes under the "Enabling Good Lives" initiative. "It is promising to see the results researchers have achieved overseas with early detection models to support a diagnosis at such early ages. In line with our future focus for LFT Auckland, supporting sustainable and impactful initiatives is a big part of what we hope to achieve moving forward. We see the potential for this research to have a significant impact, not just on autistic communities but also on the broader disability community. As the research and technology progress, they will support other types of early diagnosis," says Dr Simon Barclay, LFT Auckland Board member. There is a strong alignment with LFT Auckland's focus on enabling good lives for disabled people, which was a key factor in determining their involvement in the project. "There is growing evidence to suggest that early identification leads to an increased likelihood of better life outcomes for the autistic person, their family and whānau resulting in them being able to participate more fully in society. This sits at the heart of what we do, which is to help create a more equitable society through initiatives that remove barriers and create new opportunities for disabled people", says Dr Barclay. The Let's Play programme will run until early 2023, and research will continue until 2024 when the findings are presented, allowing for the next steps and expansion to be discussed. LFT Auckland and the project partners hope this study's outcomes will reinforce the work done overseas and promote the increased use of early identification and early support in New Zealand. Study to investigate benefits of early autism diagnosis December 2022 { 34 }
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