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ATT is running a study in the area of cognition in autism. We are seeking for the participation of children with autism and control children (siblings) to conduct a range of assessments. You can find below a description of the project. We are planning to run this in July and early August. Please do contact us if you are willing to have your child take part. There is no limitation in age or type of autism, everyone is welcomed! Thanks for your help.
Dr. Lorene Amet
What is the project about?Autism is characterized by differences in reciprocal social interaction, communication and by restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviours. The severity of impairments varies greatly across individuals. Although the aetiology of this condition is not yet understood, it is generally accepted that it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting the development of susceptible individuals. It is currently unclear how the cognitive skills of ASD individuals should be assessed, particularly when there are issues of communication, behaviour and motivation that affect what a person says or does on a cognitive test. The project proposes to pilot a range of cognitive assessments that have been specifically designed for children with language and communication problems. By carrying out this project, we also hope to gain additional understanding on how these assessments should be selected and administered in order to maximise the suitability, validity and reliability of the measurements. This pilot work will also further assist in the development of follow-up projects that will look at the characterisation of various autism sub-types.
What would your participation involve?
· We would like to initially contact you by phone to discuss the aims of the study and what it will entail.
· We would like to ask you to come to our clinic with your child. We will provide a study information pack and will ask you to sign an informed consent form if you wish to take part to the study.
· Your involvement is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time if you decide that you no longer wish to take part.
· You child will be in our purpose-built play room and will be engaged with our staff in a range of play activities (initiated by the child) mixed with short-bursts of assessments. We will aim to conduct 1-2 cognitive assessments, in several stages, delivered as appropriate, over the course of 1-3 meetings. The method of delivery will be child-friendly and particular attention will be made to avoid stressing the child and ensuring he/she enjoys the time spent with us. We want him/her to have fun whilst allowing us to gain valuable information on his skills and difficulties. The selected assessments are targeting a range of abilities from infant-toddler stage to that of a 16 year old individual, depending on presentation.
· All assessments will be videotaped. You will be able to see your child at all time, by CCTV monitoring, or through the one way mirror.
· It is anticipated that the whole play/assessment session may take 1-2 hours.
· Whilst your child is in a playroom, we are aiming to conduct two interviews. One that will assess the Adaptive Functioning of your child (Vineland Interview) and the other that will measure the social skills of your child (Social Communication Questionnaire).
What would happen to any information about you / that you provide?
· By assessing the cognitive skills of your child we will be able to understand better how autism impacts on cognition. We will also be better equipped to characterise his/her sub-type of autism, when these assessments are coupled with other forms of behavioural and communication assessments.
· Any reports produced from the project will anonymise participants (like you) and thus protect confidentiality.
· Confidentiality: Your child’s scores will be kept anonymous and only available to the researchers. All information will be kept anonymous.
· Data protection - we would ensure that your contact details (and related information) would be stored safely and securely, and would never be released to anyone else.
Contact details for further information
Please feel free to contact the project team if you require further information: Address: Autism Treatment Trust 29A Stafford Street Edinburgh EH3 7BJ e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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