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Autism Plaudits

10th September 2014

AN online support tool for parents of children with autism, designed by the University of Ulster and Queen’s University, has gained international recognition after being adopted in eight European countries.

The resource aims to empower parents with the knowledge and techniques to bring about positive changes in their children’s social and communication skills through online video tutorials, animated lessons, advice sections and downloadable resources. The multi-media training tool teaches parents the basics of the scientific principle of applied behaviour analysis (ABA). ABA is emerging as one of the most effective, evidence- based treatments to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism

Dr Stephen Gallagher, a researcher on the Simple Steps project from the University of Ulster said: “Using ABA as an intervention for autism has shown significant results, including helping children to successfully move into mainstream education and reducing dependence on family and carers.

“There are over 20,000 families living with autism in Northern Ireland who do not have access to ABA therapies through the NHS.

“The universities are working hard to engage with the NI Executive to convince them of its benefits and enhance accessibility locally to this leading online support tool”.

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