Evaluation of a World Vision intervention to address the psychosocial outcomes of children and adolescents in poverty

This study evaluated two World Vision programs in Armenia – Peace Road, a school-based intervention for youth, and Child Protection, an intervention targeting youth, their families, and their communities. It found that both programs increased youth empowerment, and Peace Road reduced youth uptake of beliefs accepting of violence against women

A Brief Report: Community Supportiveness May Facilitate Participation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Their Community and Reduce Feelings of Isolation in Their Caregivers

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participate at lower rates in their community, and their caregivers experience higher levels of stress, in comparison to families of typically developing (TD) children. The social model of disability positions the environment as the central issue when children with disabilities are unable to participate, yet little is known about the relationship between poor community support, reduced community participation in children with ASD, and caregiver stress. This study examined caregiver perceptions of community supportiveness for the community participation of 48 children with ASD (aged 5–12 years), alongside caregiver-reported child ASD symptom severity, adaptive functioning, and caregiver stress. Community supportiveness predicted child involvement, but not attendance, when child characteristics were held constant. Caregiver perceptions of low community supportiveness significantly predicted caregiver feelings of isolation. The importance of modifying community programs to better support inclusion of children with ASD is discussed

Preliminary Effectiveness of Professional Learning about Disability-Specific Evidence-Based Classroom Practices for Education Support Staff

Education support staff work closely with students with disability, yet often receive little training or professional learning in evidence-based practices. This study sought to provide an initial indication of the effectiveness of novel, co-designed, evidence-based online professional learning courses (AllPlay Learn) for education support staff. A total of 323 education support staff working in primary and secondary schools in Victoria, Australia, completed the courses and participated in this study. The results indicated significant improvements in their self-reported knowledge about disability (r = 0.68 and 0.71) and self-efficacy in engaging in inclusive classroom practices (r = 0.62 and 0.62) after taking part in the professional learning course. Analysis of open-ended questions found further support for these gains. These findings provide support for co-designed, evidence-based online professional learning that addresses disability-specific domains of inclusive classroom practices in education

The feasibility and acceptability of AllPlay Dance for autistic children:a pilot randomised controlled trial

Purpose: Few studies have explored the potential for community dance programs to act as a feasible and acceptable avenue for improving the physical, social, and mental health outcomes of autistic children. This randomised waitlist-controlled pilot trial examined the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the classical/contemporary AllPlay Dance program for autistic children. Methods: Twenty-seven autistic children aged 7–12 were randomised to either the intervention group or waitlist control group. Primary outcomes were the acceptability and feasibility of the program, as measured by general study metrics (e.g., enrolment rate, drop out, session attendance) and the participants’ subjective ratings of their experiences (e.g., enjoyment, willingness to do more sessions/recommend the program, etc.). Secondary outcomes included changes in children's motor proficiency, quality of life, and social, emotional and behavioural functioning. Results: The AllPlay Dance program was feasible to conduct and acceptable to young autistic dancers, their parents, and the elite dancers/buddies whose role was to support their participation. There were also promising trends towards improvement in aspects of motor functioning (i.e., aiming and catching). Conclusion: Overall, the findings support the need to conduct a full-scale randomised-controlled trial to confirm the potential gains that this inclusive and creative community-based activity can offer autistic children.</p