Research at Trinity College - Needed: Parents/Tutors of Preschoolers with ASD
Research at Trinity College - Needed: Parents/Tutors of Preschoolers with ASD 22/04/2015 18:04 - Special Needs / Tutors Required ----------------------------------- ***PARENTS AND HOME TUTORS OF PRESCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN***
Do you have a child (or student in a home program) who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and is between the ages of 2 and 4? If so, please consider participating in the following study:
Study Description: Despite the large body of research on challenging behaviour in children with ASD, no research study has examined the relationship between the presence/absence of early indicators of problem behaviour and the presence/absence of core preschool life skills (as described by Hanley et al. 2007). The preschool life skills include: expressing needs/wants/feelings/preferences that others can understand, following instructions, tolerating delays in access to preferred items and activities, and developing friendships. Problem behaviours such as aggression towards self and others, temper tantrums, and noncompliance are often prevalent in older children with autism, yet little is known about how these manifest at a younger age. This study will examine the variables that indicate (a) early indicators of problem behaviour and (b) the presence/absence of the core preschool life skills in children below the age of 5 years. Deficits in the preschool life skills as risk markers/predictors of early indicators of problem behaviour will also be investigated.
What’s Involved? Tutors/parents will be asked to complete the following: The Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire The Parental Concerns Questionnaire The Social Communication Questionnaire Assessment of Preschool Life Skills These questionnaires will be used to identify early indicators of problem behaviour (and the form of problem behaviour present), to evaluate communication skills & social functioning, and to identify the presence/absence of the 13 preschool life skills (as described by Hanley et al. 2007). Total time required to complete all of the questionnaires is approximately 30 minutes.
Strict confidentiality will be maintained. The child’s/parent’s/tutor’s name will not be used anywhere throughout the study. You will have the right to withdraw consent at any time during the study (and up until the time the results are published) without providing an explanation. Your participation would be greatly appreciated.
If you would like any additional information or if you would like to take part in this study please contact Carolyn Ritchey (ritcheyc@tcd.ie).
