Title: Relations between commitment to a treatment orientation and self-efficacy among teachers working with children with Autism

Author(s): Angela F.Y. Siu and Evita L.S. Ho

Pages: 180-192

Abstract: This study examined the correlation between commitment to specific treatment orientations and teacher self-efficacy. The participants included 115 teachers working with children with autism. Teachers using one of the two different treatment orientations participated in the study; as oriented towards Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and those committed to the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication-related Handicapped Children (TEACCH) orientation. The two groups were compared to a group of teachers with commitment to neither of these orientations (who served as a comparison group), in terms of personal and general teaching self-efficacy. The results suggested that teachers who identified themselves with the ABA orientation had a significantly higher personal teaching self-efficacy compared to the TEACCH group, as well as the comparison group. No significant difference was found among the three groups in terms of general teaching self-efficacy. The limitations of this study, as well as its implications for research and practices followed in working with children with autism, are discussed. 

Keywords: Teacher self-efficacy, Autism, treatment orientation.

Title: Parents socializing sibling relationships in European American and Asian American families of children with Autism in the United States

Author(s): Kara D. Sage and Brinda Jegatheesan

Pages: 193-213

Abstract:This study examined how parents in a European American and an Asian American family socialize sibling relationships. We describe parents’ beliefs about autism and how these beliefs influence awareness-building of disability in their typically developing children and the expectations that parents have for sibling relationships. The role of parents in socializing sibling relationships is also described. Analyses were based on in-depth interviews with parents. Findings indicate that the two sets of parents differed in their beliefs, expectations, and practices. Sibling relationship outcomes also differed in the two families. Implications for research are described.

Keywords: Autism, sibling relationship, Asian and European American families.

Title: Approaches to the Teaching Exercise and Sports for the Children with Autism

Author(s): Mehmet Yanardağ, İlker Yılmaz and Özgen Aras

Pages: 214-230

Abstract: Autism is a developmental disorder that appears during the first three years of life and is characterized by communication problems, social interaction deficits and repetitive/ restricted interests and behaviors. Although a diagnosis criterion of autistic spectrum disorders does not involve incapacitating to cover motor skills, studies indicated that motor deficits and delays in children with autism are possible. Sports and exercise are useful in that they decrease these motor failures and provide social integration. However, although these useful effects, exercise and sports activities are not supplied enough for children with autism, and it is observed that family, teachers and other specialists have some difficulties in adapting physical activity in the daily life activities of children with autism. This article focuses on what type sports activities can be introduced to children of certain ages with autism, the strategies followed and the measures adopted.            

Keywords: Autism, exercise, sports, teaching strategies.

Title: İşitme Engelli Çocuğu Olan ve Olmayan Ana-Babaların Stres, Depresyon ve Sürekli Kaygı Belirtileri Yönünden Karşılaştırılması

         Comparison of the Parents of Children with and without Hearing Loss in Terms of Stress, Depression, and Trait Anxiety

Author(s): Murat Doğan

Pages: 231-253

Özet: Aileye işitme engelli bireyin katılımının ana-baba üzerindeki uzun erimli psikolojik etkilerine ilişkin araştırmaların tutarlı sonuçlar verdiğini söylemek güçtür. Bu çerçevede araştırmanın amacı, işitme engelli çocuğu olan (n=230) ve olmayan (n=230) ana-babaların stres, depresyon ve sürekli kaygı belirtileri yönünden karşılaştırılmasıdır. Sözü geçen değişkenlerin düzeyinin belirlenebilmesi için katılımcılara Stres Belirti Listesi, Beck Depresyon Envanteri ve Sürekli Kaygı Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Ölçeklerden elde edilen toplam puanlar üzerinde gerçekleştirilen 2 (grup) x 2 (cinsiyet) Faktörlü Varyans Analizi bulguları,  işitme engelli çocuk ana-babalarının –özellikle de annelerin- psikiyatrik/psikolojik belirti geliştirme açısından risk altında olabileceklerini ortaya koymuştur. Bulguların tartışılmasında, yayınlarla tutarlılık göstermeyen sonuçların özellikle vurgulanması, farkın olası nedenlerinin irdelenmesi ve işitme engelli çocuğa sahip olmanın sosyo-kültürel boyutları temel alınmıştır.

Anahtar Sözcükler: İşitme engeli, İşitme engelli çocuklar, Ana-baba,Stres, Depresyon, Sürekli kaygı.

Abstract: It is hard to claim that the research about long term psychological effects on the parents of children with hearing loss have consistent results. In this sense, the purpose of the study was to compare the parents of children with (n=230) and without (n=230) hearing loss in terms of stress, depression, and trait anxiety symptoms. Assessment tools were Stress Self-Assessment Checklist for stress symptoms, Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptomatology, and Trait Anxiety Inventory for the symptoms of trait anxiety. The findings of 2 (group) x 2 (gender) Analysis of Variance were in accordance with the assumption documented in the literature: Parents of children with hearing loss, especially the mothers, are at risk for developing psychiatric/psychological symptoms. The results of the research were discussed with a special emphasis on the contradictory findings in the literature and with respect to the social-cultural aspects of having a child with hearing loss. Possible causes of the difference between groups were also taken into account during discussion.

Keywords: Hearing-impairment, Turkish children with hearing loss, parents, stress, depression, trait anxiety.

Title: Interactive online assessment options: A review of the AEPSi

Author(s): Marisa Macy

Pages: 254-257

Abstract: This article is a review of an online data management tool called the Assessment Evaluation and Programming System for Infants and Children Interactive (AEPSi). Professionals working with young children are in need of efficient assessment options to meet the ever increasing demands of their work. The AEPSi is a curriculum-based assessment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers designed to assess a young child’s development and learning, as well as provide intervention content via the curriculum. The review covers information about how the AEPSi can assist professionals in their work with young children and families.