Recent and Current Research
How's the Family: A Study of Family Coping and Communication
For this study, we are interested in examining how families with children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities communicate with one another and cope with stressful situations. A major goal of this project is to get report from multiple members of each family, including both parents and siblings.
Rural Caregivers' Knowledge of Autism
In collaboration with multiple departments on campus, we are aiming to better understand what parents across Alabama in a variety of communities know about autism spectrum disorder and general child development.
Rural Teachers' Knowledge of Autism
We are also examining levels of knowledge about autism and general child development among teachers across Alabama. We are particularly interested in identifying the specific needs of teachers to better instruct children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
Adult Siblings
This study involves investigating a variety of outcomes among typically-developing adult siblings of individuals with autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disabilities. Constructs examined include social support, parentification, life satisfaction, and perceived impact, among others.
Child and Adolescent Siblings
Like the adult study, this project examines outcomes among child and adolescent typically-developing siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder. We are particularly interested in identifying risk- and protective-factors for sibling emotional and behavioral functioning.