Exploring Multi-Modal Communication Approach for Young Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 babies, yet it is the number 1 genetic killer of infants and toddlers. Individuals with SMA, especially the most serve type I, can face great challenges in communication, environment control, and learning knowledge. Since most hildren with type I SMA have extremely limit muscular functionality, they cannot use regular interactive devices. In this study, we propose a multi-modal communication approach and explore various sensors and switches for SMA users. Specifically, we propose a light-weight and wireless microcontroller to process electric signals from sensors and switches. It can be paired and used in any devices which supports Bluetooth. Moreover, an interactive game and a three-phase pilot study are designed for assessing usability of various input devices

Impact of a Pre-Professional Clinical Education Experience with Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Preparation of Future Speech-Language Pathologists

The purpose of this study was to (1) investigate the impact of a clinical experience with adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on graduate speech-language pathology (SLP) students’ knowledge about ASD, and (2) explore the nature of the clinical experience and its impact on students’ preparation to work with adults with ASD. This study used a mixed-methods design. Quantitative methods were used to identify statistically significant changes in student knowledge about ASD following participation in a clinical experience with adults with ASD. Qualitative methods were used to explore student narratives to uncover details of the clinical experience and its impact. Participants (n=17) were first year SLP master’s students. Results indicate significantly increased knowledge about ASD following participation in the clinical experience with adults with ASD. Coding of themes from student narratives revealed details about key aspects of the experience and its impact. Results point to the positive impact of an immersive, group-based clinical education experience with adults with ASD. Results may guide efforts to create programs to prepare clinicians to serve the growing population of adults with ASD. Next steps include comparison of similar clinical experiences, as well as longitudinal tracking of student outcomes

Studying Occupation using Big Data: Methods for Measuring “What’s Behind Door #4”

Intent – The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of current and emerging research methods used in fields such as economics and political science, which combine qualitative inquiry with modeling and statistical analysis to measure and generate explanations for human behaviors on a large scale. This includes the use of fuzzy sets, contrarian case analysis to model complexity theory/multiple realities, and analysis of structural associations to understand multi-layer problems. Argument – In response to calls to study occupation on a larger scale, and to then apply this knowledge to solve real-world problems (Frank, 2015), we must seek research methods that will lend legitimacy to our work and help us think about complex issues in a systematic manner. Importance to Occupational Science – Rather than re-inventing the wheel (or in this case, the analytical tools), it behooves us to look to other fields that deal with the complex nature of human behavior, motivation, transactions, and decision-making at organizational and community levels. In this presentation, ways in which such phenomena are studied using big data, in combination with qualitative and theoretical grounding, will be explored and critiqued. Following this review, applications of these methods to current problems in occupational science will be suggested. Conclusion – While a full tutorial on using big data to answer social questions is beyond the scope of this presentation, it is expected that this discussion will spur occupational scientists to think critically about our current research methods, and about how we might incorporate statistical concepts and ideas from other fields to enhance our work, as we move from individual and small-group analysis toward “looking behind Door #4.” Key words: Data Analysis, Interdisciplinary, Statistics Questions to Facilitate Discussion – What other questions related to occupation came to mind as the analytic methods were discussed? Are you familiar with any other methods that might be useful to answer questions at population or global levels of analysis? What is currently being measured/what big data do we have access to that can help us answer questions about occupation? What are your concerns with using statistics to help explain complex phenomena or generate theory? Are you convinced that the methods described today can help us do this? At what expense

Experiences of sexual assault and rape among college students with disabilities

Objective and Methods: The study examined sexual victimization among college students with disabilities (n = 187) using an online survey at a large southern university. Students reported one or multiple disabilities: physical disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), learning disabilities, and emotional disabilities, with most students reporting more than one disability. Results: Overall, 71% of the sample experienced one or more types of lifetime sexual assault and/or rape, and 51% reported sexual victimization since attending the university. There were no significant differences in experiencing sexual assault and/or rape between students with one disability compared to students with more than one disability. Conclusions: Considering the high rates of sexual victimization among students with disabilities, and the dearth of research focusing on the context of sexual assault in this population, future research and research-based prevention initiatives are needed. Findings can inform future prevention efforts to address sexual violence among students with disabilities on campuses