Call for New Zealand specific autism research
Autistic people need to be actively involved in future research and don’t want it to focus on a cure or behaviour management.
Dr Ruth Monk, Dr Larah van der Meer, Associate Professor Laurie McLay and Dr Lisa-Marie Emerson came together to share the findings from their study that asked Autistic people and the autism community what specific research they would like to see in Aotearoa.
It’s hoped the report will inform future autism research, and funding decisions in New Zealand.
Dr Lisa Marie Emerson, a senior lecturer in Child and Family Psychology, says the study’s findings highlighted that there is not enough New Zealand specific autism research available.
“What often happens is that we take research conducted in other countries, and then apply it here. Autism research needs to be relevant to Autistic people in Aotearoa, their needs and preferences.
“A lot of funding goes to biological research about autism. But no one had asked Autistic people if this research is important or relevant to them and their lives.