News Archive 2012
"Ambitious for all: Current research in Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disorders"
Date: Friday 30 November 2012
Time: 9.30 am - 4.00 pm
Place: QUB School of Education, 69 University Street Belfast BT71HL
The conference focuses on recent and current research regarding individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Local, national, and international researchers, practitioners, parent/caregivers, and individuals affected by ASD will have an opportunity to share their research findings and communicate and network.
The conference is organised in collaboration with local charities ‘STARS Autism Project’ and ‘Parents Education as Autism Therapists’, and student-lead activities at QUB. It will be of interest to professionals from a wide variety of disciplines, including Education, Social Work, Medicine and Allied Health Professions as well as families and individuals affected by ASD.
For further information please contact quartcentre@qub.ac.uk.
2nd QUART Conference welcomed by professionals and parents.
The 2nd QUART Conference held on 30 Nov 2012 in the Whitla Hall, QUB was a great success. Nearly 150 national and international professionals and parents met to learn more about evidence based behaviour analytic interventions in ASD. Videos of keynote speakers and pictures available on CBA webpages (under resources) Delegate comments included:
"The keynote speakers were creative and inspirational, both in terms of their messages and presentations."
"Plenty of new ideas and approaches from different professionals, Lots of opportunities to engage"
"Useful practical examples to illustrate issues to non-professionals. Gained an understanding of teaching styles on outcomes. Breakout sessions interesting and varied."
"Loved the keynote speakers and all of the choices for presentations."
BBC news coverage of the event can be found here
Prof Karola Dillenburger to deliver keynote address on the evidence for behaviour analytic interventions in Autism and workshops (Task Analysis and Observation Skills) to audience of Australian Educational and Developmental Psychologists. The Conference brings together researchers and practitioners in order to recognise and offer input on how theory affects practice and new research initiatives enhance school psychology.
Applied Behaviour Analysis is the scientific basis for well established, evidence-based interventions for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and many other conditions. The US Federal government considers the application of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to be not only educationally valuable, but medically necessary. This is not the case in other parts of the world where the research evidence favouring ABA-based methods is not recognised and an eclectic approach is recommended. This presentation will explore these issues and illustrate the effectiveness of ABA-based interventions with a range of research methodologies.
Workshop 2 & 5: Task analysis and fine-tuning observational skills Task analysis and behavioural observation form the basis of many skills-based interventions. This workshop will provide task analysis and observational skills training. The workshop will be interactive based on multimedia presentations and practical exercises. It will be suitable for psychologists from varied background from beginners to those with experience in the area.
http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/cedp/conference2012/
The centre held a Verbal Behaviour Approach in Autism Spectrum Disorder two-day workshop facilitated by Smita Awasthi (BCBA, Behaviour Momentum, India). VB is firmly based in behaviour analysis and has been used successfully for many years to improve communication skills for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Karola Dillenburger and Lyn McKerr have been awarded a research grant by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to work on helping the most vulnerable out of the poverty trap and reducing inequality for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr Julie-Anne Jordan joined the CBA team on a secondment from NISRA, as full-time research assistant on the BASE Project. Julie-Anne received her PhD from School of Psychology at QUB. While there is close collaboration across all work phases in the BASE Project team, Julie-Anne will take the lead in Phase 2 (Systematic Review) and Phase 3 (Secondary Data analysis) while Dr Lynne McKerr (RA) will be responsible for Phase 1 (NILTS Autism Module) and Phase 4 (Qualitative data collection)
Lisa Ruddy, who was awarded the DEL Strategic Studentship will focus her research on the advances that technology can bring to the education of children with ASD.
Tia Martin, who joins us from Scotland, will explore the application of behaviour analysis to behavioural safety.
Brian Lenehan, from the Belfast Met, will concentrate on training of staff who come into contact with students with ASD.
