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Fennell, Brian

Brian Fennell

Part time student

Email: bfennell01@qub.ac.uk

Year of Entry: 2007

Thesis Title: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Challenging Behaviours: Training level and content area knowledge of teachers in the Republic of Ireland

Sumary of Research: After conducting a literature review, I am currently gathering data via a survey of teachers of students with autism spectrum disorders in the Republic of Ireland to determine professional development training undertaken and knowledge in areas of ASD, challenging behaviour, and applied behavior analysis.

Throughout my teaching career I have been challenged by students with behavioural difficulties and other special educational needs.  While my understanding of the behaviour/ environment interaction has grown and my professional skills have increased over the years, an introduction to the science of behaviour analysis has place my personal knowledge in a sound theoretical and practical context.

My research focusses on the professional development of teachers, in the Republic of Ireland, who are responsible for the education of those on the autism spectrum. Over the past decade this area has been specificly targeted for extensive state funding. Through a survey of this teaching cohort, I intend to determine if the extent of training undertaken corresponds to higher levels of understanding of key concepts in challenging behaviour, autism spectrum disorders and behaviour analysis.

I have found my research experience at Queen’s to be thoroughly challenging and equally rewarding. Undertaking a research degree, especially while teaching full-time, tests your organisational ability and motivation as well as your intellect.

I have been involved in the Queen’s University Autism Research and Treatment (Quart) Forum for many years and am now active within the Centre for Behaviour Analysis (CBA) as well. These organisations offer a unique opportunity for developing professional networks and shared learning across a range of disciplines and academic interests which enhance the experience of postgraduate research at Queen’s.

Supervisors: Prof Karola Dillenburger, Dr Joy Alexander

Research Centre: Centre for Behaviour Analysis