PremiumChris KnoxData Editor and Head of Data Journalism·NZ Herald·17 Jun, 2026 05:00 PM7 mins to read‌The study focuses on Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a developmental disorder that usually results in severe autism, Professor Johanna Montgomery reports. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAYDebbie Sylva hopes signing up for a world-first study will help other New Zealand families avoid the heartache and pain she and her son have endured.The Auckland mum’s 41-year-old son suffers from Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a developmental disorder that usually results in severe autism.

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