Integrating research and practice in autism spectrum disorders
Lead Research Organisation:
Cardiff University
Department Name: Sch of Psychology
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Publications
Carrington SJ
(2016)
Knowledge acquisition and research evidence in autism: Researcher and practitioner perspectives and engagement.
in Research in developmental disabilities
Carrington, S
Sharing research evidence about autism: how do we do it?
in Research in Developmental Disabilities
Price, M
(2012)
Engaging members of a community in research
Ramsden, C
(2014)
Closing the gap between research, policy and practice
in International Society for Autism Research
White, L
(2013)
Integrating research policy and practice in Autism Spectrum Disorders
in International Society for Autism Research
| Title | Neuroimaging research |
| Description | A DVD for families to give them information about taking part in neuroimaging research. Two of the videos included on this DVD can be viewed at the following sites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTNjsN3DwE4&feature=context-gau and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDCjxvAvETQ&feature=g-upl. The URL below refers to the booklet that accompanies this DVD. |
| Type Of Art | Film/Video/Animation |
| Year Produced | 2012 |
| Impact | The resource was distributed to 780. Evaluation data (see evaluation report) showed that watching the video and reading the booklet changed views in the majority of cases in terms of both increased understanding about the role of neuroimaging and increased potential participation. The actor who starred in the video has Asperger syndrome and has continued to remain closely connected with the team and has been involved in a number of other subsequent projects and given advice on research plans. |
| URL | http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/warc/resources/ |
| Description | Summary of ESRC End of Award Report submitted Dec 2012 for details. This can be downloaded at http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/warc/files/2014/06/Integrating-research-and-practice-in-ASD-Project-Report-September-2010.pdf This knowledge exchange grant led to three main developments. The first was the provision of a new knowledge sharing opportunity designed for practitioners and researchers who work in the field of autism spectrum disorder. We developed the first stage design of a new web-based forum for sharing expert knowledge. In the small scale trials, 171 individuals registered with the AWARES-talk forum, including individuals from UK, Japan, Sweden, and USA. The majority were non-academic professionals who discussed topics including diagnosis, interventions, anxiety and sensory issues, and multi-disciplinary working. The second development was a research awareness raising exercise in the non-academic community. Awareness of research in the area of early intervention was raised through three workshops on evidence-based intervention for health practitioners led by an international expert from the USA Prof Rogers who gave presentations on a new intervention -Early Start Denver Model. One workshop was expanded to include researchers who led two UK-based interventions. Research awareness in parents was also raised through the production of a Research Aware Booklet which helps orient parents to the importance of looking for evidence when choosing an intervention for their child and the production of a Research Toolkit, a resource for non-academics to help them appraise the scientific content of interventions. The third development was to increase direct engagement with users of future research, through the provision of engagement activities and improved communication. We carried out Researchers on the Road meetings with 25 parent group leaders, representing approximately 100 members. A DVD now on Youtube was produced to introduce neuroimaging techniques to families and a booklet distributed to 780 people. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings of this project formed the basis for the subsequent development of the Research-Policy-Practice Hub, an ESRC funded project that can be used by practitioners and policy workers. The early intervention workshops led to new intervention training sponsored by the Welsh Gov leading to benefits for children receiving early intervention. The engagement activities highlighted what parents needed i terms of areas for improved communication that can be addresses by better website information and resources. The aim of the toolkit is to increase research awareness for individuals who need to evaluate research evidence and will therefore be of benefit to practitioners, government or charity advisors, and individuals working in health or educational intervention programmes. The Research Toolkit document has also been distributed to contacts related to the 'What Works' initiative, including Rachel Tuffin (the College of Policing), and to Prof. Leon Feinstein of the Early Intervention Foundation. We have also recommended that the Research Aware leaflet is included in post diagnostic packs in other health boards across Wales and in England. |
| Sectors | Education,Healthcare |
| URL | http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/warc/files/2014/06/Integrating-research-and-practice-in-ASD-Project-Report-September-2010.pdf |
| Description | The resources on research evidence produced by the project have been used by members of the Welsh Government as preparations are being made the next stage of the Autism Strategic Action Plan. Practitioners have benefited from the early intervention seminar, and this has led to more children and parents receiving early intervention. The findings from online forum provided pilot results for a further ESRC project match funded by the Welsh Government. The findings from the family engagement activities led to further funding focused on improving communications with families. Both projects have led to further outcomes for non-academic communities. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Education,Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Developing a research-policy-practice hub for ASD |
| Amount | £202,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | ES/J02080X/1 |
| Organisation | Economic and Social Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2012 |
| End | 04/2014 |
| Description | ESRC IAA |
| Amount | £20,721 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Economic and Social Research Council |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 07/2016 |
| End | 06/2017 |
| Description | Engaging in research on autism spectrum disorder |
| Amount | £789 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Cardiff University |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2012 |
| End | 12/2012 |
| Description | Collaboration with charities Waterloo Foundation and National Autistic Society collaboration |
| Organisation | National Autistic Society |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The research team prepared a booklet The Research Toolkit for non-academic professionals, which was completed and made available online. Sarah Shenow and Gina Gomez were authors of the booklet. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Both Sarah Shenow (Waterloo Foundation) and Gina Gomez (National Autistic Society) provided expert advice on the development of a booklet that would be accessible and informative for non-academic professionals learning about research |
| Impact | The Research Toolkit is available on the Welsh Government Local Authority website for download http://www.asdinfowales.co.uk/home.php?page_id=6006. Collaborations were strengthened with both the two charities (though the individuals Gina Gomez and Sarah Shenow each left their respective positions hence the specific collaboration ended). |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Collaboration with charities Waterloo Foundation and National Autistic Society collaboration |
| Organisation | The Waterloo Foundation |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The research team prepared a booklet The Research Toolkit for non-academic professionals, which was completed and made available online. Sarah Shenow and Gina Gomez were authors of the booklet. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Both Sarah Shenow (Waterloo Foundation) and Gina Gomez (National Autistic Society) provided expert advice on the development of a booklet that would be accessible and informative for non-academic professionals learning about research |
| Impact | The Research Toolkit is available on the Welsh Government Local Authority website for download http://www.asdinfowales.co.uk/home.php?page_id=6006. Collaborations were strengthened with both the two charities (though the individuals Gina Gomez and Sarah Shenow each left their respective positions hence the specific collaboration ended). |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Collaboration with charity Autism Cymru |
| Organisation | Autism Cymru |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | The collaboration with the research team enabled a new form of online forum to be launched.The work also promoted the work of the charity. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Autism Cymru hosted the online platform for the forum trial. Two members of staff provided consultancy and facilitation |
| Impact | This is a collaboration with a charity. Outputs included a follow up grant proposal (successful) in which the CEO of Autism Cymru provided consultancy on the grant. |
| Start Year | 2011 |
| Description | Autism Research Toolkit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This booklet was the result of a collaboration with two charities to create a resource which could help to inform practitioners about evidence-based practice. The Autism Research Toolkit has been adopted the Welsh Local Government Authority website for distribution to autism services http://www.asdinfowales.co.uk/home.php?page_id=6006 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/warc/resources/resources/ |
| Description | Autism public engagement and research event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
| Results and Impact | A shared event with National Autistic Society Cardiff and Vale Parents Association which gave information to parents about the findings of the ESRC Integrating Research and Practice Project and collected evaluation data on project activities (including following up on questions asked the year previously). This event was an unexpected impact of our collaboration with a national charity who support professionals working in practice with and parents of children with ASD. The event was co-organised by members of the Wales Autism Research Centre (including Dr Louise White) and the NAS group. Although not within the original grant application, this event was a clear opportunity for dissemination of the grant outcomes. Moreover, this opportunity was also used to feedback the results from an additional research study within the centre. Participants signed up to join annual future 'research update' events of this kind which have been running every summer since due to ongoing demand |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012 |
| Description | Awares-Talk Forum |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | 171 individuals registered with the AWARES-talk forum, including individuals from UK, Japan, Sweden, and USA. The majority were non-academic clinical or educational professionals who discussed topics including diagnosis, interventions, anxiety and sensory issues, and multi-disciplinary working. The forum was used to coordinate discussion in advance of two international meetings. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation data revealed difficulties in site navigation and greater suitability for more focused discussion topics with clear incentives. • Professional development opportunities were created by meeting researchers online, learning about international research projects and gaining access to written resources stored within the online forum. • A direct early impact of this work was that the project team applied for and were awarded a new ESRC knowledge exchange grant, "Developing a research-policy-practice Hub(£200,000). This work has been supported by Welsh Government in matched funding. The new grant capitalises directly on the original project. It builds on the team's experience of useability challenges in online contexts and focuses on working across both practitioner and policy communities. The project also consolidates collaborations with charities and with Bangor University and involves policy consultant placement visits at Cardiff University. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012 |
| Description | Consultancy report (Evaluation of project) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
| Results and Impact | The evaluation report highlighted areas of the project that were effective and also limitations of the work in relation to its objectives in reaching the autism family and professional community. The evaluation report enabled development of the next stage of work carried out in the ESRC grant Developing a Research Policy Practice Hub |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/warc/about-us/project-reports/ |
| Description | Early intervention for young children with autism |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A workshop linked to the visit by Professor Sally Rogers (MIND Institute, UC Davies, USA), for practitioners in ASD and parents which gave an in depth presentation on the methods used with very young children with ASD in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM; Prof Rogers). The workshop was first held in North Wales and featured presentations on two other early intervention methods also including ttwo UK-based methods, the Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT; Prof Green, Manchester University) and Music Interaction Therapy (MIT, Dr Wimpory, Bangor) and introduction by Prof Leekam. The workshop was then repeated twice in South Wales focus only on ESDM. The first event was attended by 60 and the other two by 20 each. Awareness of the importance of early intervention was raised. As a direct outcome, 23 clinicians obtained new early intervention training sponsored by the Welsh Gov and therefore this initiative led to 28 new children obtaining intervention. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
| Description | Engaging members of a community in research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The Psychologist is a monthly publication for professionals in the field. In this feature, Dr Louise White and Matt Price ask the question of how researchers should best engage members of a community like those with ASD in research. The article discusses activities carried out within the Integrating Research and Practice project such as the "Researchers on the Road" activity and considers the value of social media in relation to best practice for community engagement The psychologist |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Research Aware Booklet |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | The booklet raised positive feedback from parents and also from the Charity Research Autism. The Research Aware booklet is now being distributed to parents in postdiagnostic counselling sessions following diagnosis in Aneurin Bevan Health Board.The goal of the booklet and the accompanying bookmark is to encourage parents to evaluate the evidence for interventions before deciding to choose a particular intervention. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/warc/resources/ |
| Description | Researchers on the Road |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
| Results and Impact | The visits to parent groups around the country generated questions and discussion and raised awareness about research As a result of the activities with parent groups we involved one parent as a representative in the work of the WARC (she is still working with us and held the post of project manager on our follow up ESRC grant). |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012 |
| Description | Wales Autism Research Centre newsletter |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research and patient groups |
| Results and Impact | A newsletter targeted at parents of children with ASD, individuals with ASD and professionals who work with people with ASD. The newsletter provides a summary of ESRC and other funded projects being carried out by the research team Parents volunteered to participate in research and other open door engagement activities |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |