Sarah Barron, a PhD researcher at St Mary's University College, London is currently looking for volunteers to take part in a research project for families with children who have autism.
The project is called 'Chatter' and is an evidence based parent training intervention. The aim of the intervention is to increase the use of spontaneous language in children with autism through shared storybook reading sessions with their parent (parent reading to child, no child reading is required). This project requires school aged children, with a diagnosis of autism, who are currently in reception, year 1 or year 2 (or equivalent age if home schooled).
The project will require watching online tutorials and parental attendance online for 2 group meetings, where you will receive full guidance for carrying out the intervention with your child, along with a manual, reward chart, visual aid board and other resources. It will also involve 4 interviews and questionnaires with parents, and 4 recorded observations (via computer link). Families will be asked to complete the storybook reading activities with their child 5 days per week, for 12 weeks. Full support and guidance will be available throughout the project.
This study has full ethical approval from St Mary's University College and Sarah holds a valid CRB certificate.
If you would like further information about the Chatter project, please contact Sarah Barron by email at 070247@live.smuc.ac.uk
