New Zealand advocates say research too medicalized there

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Researchers at Canterbury University have found that two thirds of funding awarded for autism research in New Zealand goes towards biological projects seeking to understand the difference associated with autism.

This compares with a third of funding invested in research into support for autistic people.

The researchers found no investment in research aimed at maximising the quality of life of autistic people by addressing the accessibility and quality of services, or into the needs of autistic people as they age.

Autism advocacy organsiations say the emphasis is wrong. Kathryn speaks with Dane Dougan - Chief Executive of Autism New Zealand and National Manager for Altogether Autism, Catherine Trezona.