La Trobe researchers are seeking participants to take part in research exploring the wellbeing of young autistic children in early childhood education and care settings.
Participants must be parents of autistic children aged two to six who attend an early childhood education and care setting, or educators who care for autistic children in these settings.
“We want to understand what ‘good’ wellbeing looks like for young autistic children, from the perspectives of the parents and educators who know and support them,” says lead researcher, Dr Kathryn Ambrose.
“This will help us identify important factors, barriers and enablers for wellbeing, and better understand how early childhood settings can support autistic children.”
While promoting wellbeing in early childhood can support children’s immediate quality of life and longer-term outcomes, there is limited research examining the wellbeing of young autistic children in early childhood education and care settings.
The current study will extend Dr Ambrose’s work on the development of a parent-coaching program, called Bloom, that is aimed at enhancing wellbeing in young autistic children.
“The program focuses on supporting autistic children in their family context, by coaching their parents regarding the principles of wellbeing for autistic children, and recognising and responding to their individual child’s needs, strengths and preferences.”
Dr Ambrose says the findings of the current study could help inform more supportive and neurodiversity-affirming practices, strengthen collaboration between parents and educators, and contribute to future educator training and resources.
Participation involves completing a short questionnaire, followed by an online interview with a researcher about the wellbeing of autistic children in early childhood education and care settings.
Find out more or register your interest: https://bit.ly/4yN3ZDO
