A Quinns Rocks family who became the 1000th family to sign up for the ORIGINS Project is excited to be contributing to such ground-breaking research.
Jessica Mason, an early childhood teacher who is expecting her second baby in August, said she was told about the project during her first appointment at Joondalup Health Campus. She was interested to learn that it would give her family free access to extensive tests and screening, as well as a team of specialists.
“We signed up because I have allergies myself and would like to help prevent my baby and future family members from suffering from asthma and eczema,” Mrs Mason said.
“I’m also an early childhood teacher and can see the value in early intervention and research. There’s an increasing incidence of allergies and anaphylaxis, autism, speech problems, OT problems, and anxiety. It would be awesome to identify these at an earlier age.
“This is ground-breaking research – looking at environmental factors as well as genetics and parents’ health.”
The Masons are also taking part in the SYMBA study for allergies, the TALK study for language and speech, and dad Michael is involved in the CARE-Dads Study, which focuses on fathers’ cardiovascular health.
Mrs Mason said it had been easy to sign up and all appointments were scheduled during hospital visits.
“We receive a lot of extra health screening at no cost,” she said. “The baby will receive paediatrician assessments and full allergy screening.”
Project Co-Director Professor Desiree Silva said participants could also attend drop-in sessions.
“We are getting wonderful feedback that by participating in the project, they are getting a greater sense of community and belonging,” Professor Silva said. “And we know that having connectivity with other people in the community has positive health outcomes.”
Related: ORIGINS Project Shines Light On Early Childhood Development