Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre
Research projects - Evidence-Based Practice
Developing and evaluating effective interventions and supports for individuals with ASD and their families is only the first step towards improving services. The next, equally important, step is to support the translation of research findings to practice. Evidence-based practice (EBP) - which involves bringing together the latest research evidence, with clinical experience, and the preferences and priorities of fully informed clients and caregivers – is now widely supported amongst professionals working with individuals with ASD. However, despite widespread support, there are barriers to EBP which this stream of research at OTARC is attempting to identify and address through targeted projects and novel solutions.
Supporting the use of single case experimental designs in clinical practice
The purpose of our study is to support speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists who work with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities and their families to utilise evidence based practice. We will do this by developing an online training package that will teach clinicians how to evaluate client outcomes using powerful single case study designs. Using an action research approach, we will work with clinicians in the field to identify their needs, to develop a package that is user-friendly and effective, and to evaluate the outcomes. We are currently recruiting participants for this study with data collection to commence in November 2011. This collaborative study involves Dr David Trembath, A/Prof Cheryl Dissanayake, and A/Prof Amanda Richdale at OTARC, along with Professor Teresa Iacono (La Trobe Rural Health School) and A/Prof Leanne Togher at the University of Sydney. The project is supported by a ‘Speech Pathologists, Physiotherapists, and Occupational Therapists on Developmental Disability (SPOTonDD) research grant.
Parents as Partners in Evidence Based Speech Pathology Practice
The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of speech pathologists working with parents in the provision of evidence based practice to children with ASD. Using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, we will explore clinicians’ experiences of working with parents, their beliefs about the evidence parents want and need regarding their children’s interventions, and the barriers and enables to positive clinician-parent relationships in the provision of evidence based therapy services. We will identify practical strategies for helping speech pathologists to (a) identify parents’ expectations and need for information, (b) present the evidence for the treatments they provide effectively, and (c) develop positive and collaborative partnerships with parents when selecting and implementing therapy programs. The focus of this research is on interactions between speech pathologists and parents of children with autism. Nevertheless, the findings of this study will be relevant to all clinicians seeking to provide evidence based speech pathology services to paediatric clients and their families. The project is being conducted by Dr David Trembath (OTARC), Dr Joanne Arciuli (University of Sydney), and Teena Caithness (La Trobe University, Human Communication Sciences) with the support of a Speech Pathology Australia research grant.