Jata Elliott's research focuses on caring for expectant and new parents with autism, with their work now cited in COPE's recommendations. Credit: iStock oatawa
Research from School of Nursing and Midwifery PhD candidate Jata Elliott, has been used to develop a published guidance by the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) – Australia's peak body in perinatal mental health.
Ms Elliott's research focuses on caring for expectant and new parents with autism, with their work now cited in COPE's recommendations.
"As a neurodivergent researcher, endorsed midwife and advocate, I know both professionally and personally how much work remains to make our health systems genuinely safe and inclusive for neurodivergent people," Ms Elliott said. "Continuing to advocate and produce research in the face of those barriers isn't always easy, which makes seeing this work translated into COPE's national perinatal mental health resources particularly meaningful.
"I'm incredibly grateful to the neurodivergent clients, colleagues and communities who continue to share their knowledge and lived experience, helping us advance more inclusive maternity care for all birthing people."
Professor Sara Bayes from ECU's School of Nursing and Midwifery said the recognition of Ms Elliot's work by COPE was an incredible achievement and showcased the impact and importance of their research.
"It is a credit to Jata that the quality of their work has earned a citation in COPE's recommendations," Professor Bayes said. "COPE is the pre-eminent authority on perinatal mental health matters and care guidance in Australia, providing support to mothers and families during the journey of parenthood."
Associate Dean of Research Professor Theo Fotis said it was an excellent example of the outreach and impact that ECU's School of Nursing and Midwifery work can have.
Founder and Executive Director of COPE, Dr Nicole Highet, added that COPE would be advocating for amendments in the national guidelines.
"As part of the next revision of the Perinatal Mental Health Guideline, COPE will be advocating for funding to include neurodivergence in the perinatal period. This will allow incorporation of an evidence review, recommendations, training and resources for clinicians and consumers."
