University research theme: Healthy people, families and communities
Early autism identification enables children to access specialised support and services sooner, maximising developmental opportunities and improving the quality of life for Autistic children and their families. The Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) tool is the most effective autism screening tool in the world, reliably identifying autism in children as young as 11 months.
In collaboration with Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, we trained over 320 education and healthcare professionals in New Zealand, marking the most extensive SACS implementation in the Southern Hemisphere outside Australia. Led by Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro, the training combined in-person workshops and bespoke online courses, ensuring accessibility across the region. This initiative, conducted alongside Dr Hannah Waddington of Victoria University, reinforced the global significance of the SACS tool in early autism identification.
Impact
- Over 320 professionals trained across Aotearoa
- Strengthening identification, diagnosis, and support pathways for young Autistic children
- Cultural responsiveness – integrating local perspectives, language, and values into a custom-built online learning platform
Global reach – The SACS tool is now implemented in 20 countries, setting a benchmark for best practices.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
