Parents of 2-4 year olds w/ASD - early intervention research
***ABA tutors or parents of preschool-aged children - Please consider completing a questionnaire to help with early intervention research! Please email me (ritcheyc@tcd.ie) for link!
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? The tutor or parent will be asked to complete an online questionnaire.
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).
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 please contact Carolyn Ritchey (ritcheyc@tcd.ie).