Research Project

研究項目

Research Project

Introduction of Researchers

Principal Investigator

Dr. Wong Wing Ho, Oscar

Assistant Professor (Clinical), Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK

Dr. Oscar Wong obtained his medical degree from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in 2010 and became a fellow of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists in 2017. He joined the Department of Psychiatry at CUHK as a Clinical Assistant Professor in 2019, with research interests including child and adolescent mental health, autism spectrum disorders, the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis, and neurocognitive function.

Dr. Wong has participated in several significant studies, including the “Hong Kong Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Epidemiologic Survey" and research on the gut microbiome related to children with autism. In 2021, he led the establishment of the “HATCH” research project, which covers over 2,500 children with and without autism. The main goal is to analyze the differences in their gut microbiota. Through HATCH, Dr. Wong and his team have identified a set of microbial biomarkers and a novel probiotic formula (SCM06). Additionally, he serves as the chief researcher for two mobile applications aimed at supporting and enhancing the mental health of parents in Hong Kong.

For more details, please visit: https://www.psychiatry.cuhk.edu.hk/members/dr-oscar-wong/

Co-investigator

Prof. Chan Sau Man, Sandra

Assistant Dean (Student support), Faculty of Medicine, CUHK
Professor (Clinical), Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK

Prof. Sandra Chan is currently a Professor (Clinical) of Department of Psychiatry and the Assistant Dean (Student Support) of the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She has a clinical practice in psychiatry in the Hospital Authority and is a keen educator. Sandra is enthusiastic in bridging neuroscience with good clinical practice. Her key research interests include combined approach of functional MRI/ optical imaging and navigated neuromodulation, the relationships of brain connectomics and psychological health in developing brains.

Professor Chan is involved in several significant studies, including the "Hong Kong Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Epidemiologic Survey" and neuroimage-guided neuromodulation for treatment-refractory depression (TMS).

For more details, please visit: https://www.psychiatry.cuhk.edu.hk/members/prof-sandra-chan/

Research Progress

2021

Conducted a large-scale hospital study

hospital

3-6 years old

1627 participants

Conducted a large-scale hospital study, collecting samples from 1627 participants aged 3-6 year old, allowing us to understand the application value of using gut microbiota biomarkers for risk prediction of ASD.

2024

Current Research

Develop early diagnostic testing tools

Current Progress:

Target no. of participants

1000

Refer to below section for details

2026

Five species of gut microbes have been identified in children's faecal samples that can distinguish children with ASD, with a sensitivity of up to 80%, showing potential for assisting in early risk detection.

These findings published in an international medical journal Gut highlights the potential of non-invasive bacteria markers for early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism.

2023

Proved that non-invasive gut microbiota markers can effectively diagnose and predict the risk of children developing ASD, with an overall sensitivity of 94%.

Regulating the gut microbiota can alleviate sensory sensitivity and anxiety symptoms in children with ASD

The research findings were published in the internationally renowned journal “Nature Microbiology”, and were reported by 14 local and 360 overseas media outlets, attracting global attention.

2025

Pilot Research

Developed a novel microbiome modulation preparation, SCM06, to be able to significantly improve anxiety and sensory hypersensitivity symptoms in children

This is the world’s first clinical study to investigate the use of synbiotics on these conditions.

The findings were recently published in the top international journal npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, a sub journal under the Nature Publishing Group.

Current Research

A Prospective Study of Stool Microbial Biomarkers for Early Detection and Risk Prediction of Autism Spectrum Disorder (PROMISE)

Research Goals:

Through analysing stool samples of suspected or high-risk autistic children, evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the model in predicting autism risk

Develop early diagnostic tools for identifying the risk of ASD using gut microbiota.

Target Participants:

Children aged 4 years or below
Confirmed or suspected children with ASD or other developmental issues

Workflow:

1. Registration

The research team will invite parents to fill in a screening questionnaire

2.Confirm Participation

The research team will mail the sample collection packs and questionnaires to parents

3.Participate in the research

Parents are required to collect stool and buccal sample, fill in the dietary questionnaires and online questionnaire

4.Completion of study

Parents will receive HKD200 Cash Coupon, a G-NiiB Probiotics Sample Pack and gut Health Report (after completion of the whole study)

5.Follow-up Study

Parents will have the opportunity to be invited for an in-person or video conference interview and be follow-up for 2 years (Cash coupons will be given after each follow-up visit)

Growth Partner and Funder:

Powered by:

Organizing Committees:

Participating Organizations:

Other involved project

SOW App

As children enter adolescence, they will encounter different challenges. The relationship between parents and children may undergo subtle changes, requiring gradual adaptation.

SOW is a mobile app designed and developed by the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, providing a platform for parents and caregivers to engage in mindfulness training.

A four-week journey exploring skills for interacting with children, understanding emotions, and accompanying parents and children on a healthy journey of growth.

For more details, please visit:

https://sowcuhk.com/

TRIP App

A platform of mindfulness training is specifically designed for parents and caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The application is currently under development.

Details will be announced later.