Upcoming Autism Research Centre Symposium
The Autism Research Centre (ARC) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s first centre dedicated to autism research, hosted by the University of Canterbury, with networks throughout New Zealand and beyond.
Come along to this symposium for researchers and the autism community to mark the opening of the Autism Research Centre Aotearoa New Zealand which presents enormous opportunities to unite around the common purpose of enhancing the wellbeing of autistic people and those who make up their support network.
The theme for the symposium is "Autistic Partnership in Action: Weaving Research into Policy and Practice to Support Autistic Well-Being".
Date: Monday 1st September 2025.
Time: 9am to 4.30pm. Light refreshments, including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea will be provided.
Location: Rehua Building at the University of Canterbury.
Cost: Donation/koha to support the Autism Research Centre.
Find out more about the Autism Research Centre Symposium, including how to register (Humanitix).
The keynote speaker will be Professor David Trembath. Professor Trembath is a speech pathologist by background and Head of Autism Research at CliniKids, The Kids Research Institute Australia. His career is dedicated to helping improve the life opportunities and outcomes for autistic people and their families. Professor Trembath's presentation will reflect on the promise a Centre of this kind makes, and the possibilities it creates, to not only enhance the outcomes and impact of research, but also the approaches taken to achieve them.
Presentations will cover a range of topics including:
- Co-designed early support for autistic children and their whānau/families with Dr Carla Wallace-Watkins, (University of Canterbury and Victoria University), Lee Patrick (Autism NZ) and Prof. Laurie McLay (University of Canterbury);
- Outcomes across the early life course for Autistic young people: evidence using the Integrated Data Infrastructure with Dr Nick Bowden (University of Otago);
- Change the system, change the world with Professor Ann-Marie Kennedy (University of Canterbury);
- Examining case complexity among Pasifika Autistic/Takiwātanga youth in Aotearoa New Zealand: A national cross-sectional study with Dr Troy Ruhe (University of Otago);
- Getting it Right – Provision and Access to Timely and Appropriate Supports for the Tāngata Whaitakiwātanga/Autistic Community Before, During, and After Diagnosis with Dr Larah van der Meer and Lee Patrick (Autism NZ);
- Auditory Sensitivities and Quality of Life in Autistic People with Professor Paul Sowman (Auckland University of Technology).
Find out more about the work of Autism Research Centre.