Dr. Susan Crawford:

I thank the Deputy for the specific questions on movement. We are going back to the protein and that is an interesting point. We know that movement enhances the formation and healthy use of a thing called gamma-aminobutyric acid, GABA, which is important for regulation and mood enhancement. Interesting studies have been done to look at the effects of movement against the effects of electroconvulsive therapy to enhance feelings of well-being and reduce anxiety. It has been found that if you get high levels of GABA that has a positive effect. That is why we are driving an agenda on movement to reduce anxiety and all of that. We know that movement enhances the secretion of those hormones like serotonin and dopamine, etc., which are necessary for normal brain function. Equally they are mood regulators. For any number of reasons, movement is key.

The other thing we know is that our population, including children and adults who are autistic, do not naturally develop movement skills. They have to be taught how to hop, jump, kick and throw. They often have to be taught how to run as well and they have to work on balance and co-ordination. I am involved in an international research group on movement, and that work will probably be included as part of the diagnostic criteria for autism over the coming years. It is key that we look at movement from early on and we are looking at videos of babies who are later diagnosed as autistic where those movement markers have been picked up early on when they are babies and on into when they are toddlers. Movement is key so if we could get that piece into the pre-schools and primary and secondary schools and drive it in a real and meaningful way in terms of proper movement breaks it can make a difference. From our roll-out of training across the country I can say that there is big buy-in for that.

What was the other part I was going to address?