Autism Research Centre

Professor Laurie (Laura– Lee) McLay is a researcher specialising in the health, wellbeing, and developmental outcomes of neurodivergent children, including autistic tamariki and children with lifelong physical health conditions. Her work is grounded in equity of access, with a strong focus on digital health, including telehealth delivery of supports that improve the everyday lives of children and their whānau. She is particularly recognised for her expertise in sleep assessment and support for neurodivergent children—an area of high unmet need with significant implications for learning, development, and family wellbeing.

Her research investigates how digital tools, online programmes, and technology‑enabled interventions and supports can enhance caregiver capability, reduce stress, and provide practical, culturally responsive strategies for families who face barriers to traditional services. She is committed to neurodiversity‑affirming practice, co‑design, and approaches that centre on the lived experiences of tamariki and their caregivers.

Laurie leads the Waiora Tamariki Programme at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury. This programme evaluates the effectiveness, acceptability, and real‑world implementation of digitally delivered supports across key domains of child wellbeing, including sleep, eating and feeding, toileting, communication, and caregiver mental health. The programme integrates psychosocial models, child development, and digital innovation, and works in partnership with autistic tamariki, caregivers, clinicians, and community organisations to ensure interventions are practical, evidence‑informed, and responsive to Aotearoa New Zealand families.

In addition to her research leadership, Laurie serves as an Associate Dean of Research (ADR), contributing to research strategy, governance, and capability development within her Faculty. In this role, she supports quality research practice, fosters collaboration, and helps strengthen the environment for impactful, community‑engaged research.

Through both her research and her ADR leadership, Laurie contributes to national and international conversations on digital health innovation, early intervention, family‑centred practice, and support pathways for neurodivergent children. Her work aims to build a more accessible, equitable system of support that empowers caregivers and enhances the wellbeing of tamariki across Aotearoa.

Cassandra has teaching and research expertise in the following areas: legal reasoning, criminal law, gender/sexuality and the law, international human rights law, and evidence law. She is currently researching online abuse and women's human rights.