Photo caption: Professor Laurie McLay is researching digital delivery of supports for autistic tamariki and their caregivers.
Professor Laurie McLay, Associate Director of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Child Well-being Research Centre, has focused her research on the health and wellbeing of neurodiverse children and those with lifelong physical health conditions. Her research project into the digital delivery of supports for autistic tamariki and their caregivers has received a four-year Health Delivery Research Project Grant of $1,399,778 from the Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand.
UC Faculty of Engineering School of Product Design senior lecturer Dr Wendy Zhang’s project on empowering rangatahi through game-based nutrition education has been granted HRC funding of $30,000 for a year.
“Through technology-enhanced innovative design, my research tackles complex societal challenges, including promoting health and wellbeing, fostering creativity and innovation, and transforming education,” Dr Zhang says. “I explore how user-centred approaches and emerging technologies can create engaging and culturally relevant solutions that drive meaningful change and empower individuals and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
About the research projects:
Health Delivery Research Project Grant
Professor Laurie McLay, University of Canterbury
Digital delivery of wellbeing supports for autistic children
4 years, $1,399,778
Estimates suggest that one in 40 children in New Zealand are autistic. Caregivers of autistic children often experience a reduced sense of competence and wellbeing; perpetuated by a deficit-framing of autism. Empirical research highlights the benefit of early support for child and caregiver wellbeing. However, increased identification of autism, a lack of professional training, and systemic barriers have limited access to evidence-based, autism-specific support. This research addresses these challenges by co-designing and evaluating:
- the effectiveness and acceptability of a digitally delivered, neuro-affirming support, focused on the wellbeing of autistic children and their caregivers
- the effectiveness and acceptability of a digitally delivered professional development programme designed to upskill healthcare professionals who support autistic children
- the feasibility and acceptability of these supports when delivered in the community by healthcare providers.
Outcomes will provide evidence of a transformative model of accessible and equitable support and knowledge translation.
Health Delivery Research Activation Grant
Dr Wendy Zhang, University of Canterbury
Empowering rangatahi through game-based nutrition education
1 year, $30,000
This research addresses childhood obesity and poor nutritional habits, by applying and refining an educational video game, Nutri-Islands, to promote healthy eating among rangatahi (young people). Childhood obesity is a growing concern in Aotearoa New Zealand, with one in eight children in the country classified as obese, particularly among Māori and Pasifika communities. We will evaluate the Nutri-Islands game with rangatahi to test its effectiveness in improving nutritional knowledge. To ensure cultural relevance and user engagement, we will redesign digital characters and game elements, making them more appealing and relatable to the target audience. Additionally, we will explore the potential of interactive smart game characters to connect with players and deliver impactful health messages. The goal is to gather actionable insights that will inform the design of a new, effective tool for promoting healthy eating habits among rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.
UC Engineering senior lecturer Dr Wendy Zhang is studying game-based nutrition education for young people.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 - Reducing Inequalities.
