No research study has examined the relationship between the presence/absence of early indicators of behavioural difficulties and the presence/absence of core preschool life skills ).  Behavioural difficulties such as aggression towards self and others, temper tantrums, and noncompliance are often prevalent in older children with autism, yet little is known about how these manifest at a younger age. Preschool life skills include functional communication, instruction following, tolerance of delay/denials in accessing rewards, and pro-social skills. This study will examine factors related to (a) early indicators of behavioural difficulties (b) the presence/absence of the core preschool life skills in children below the age of 5 years. Absence of the preschool life skills as a risk marker/predictors of early indicators of behavioural difficulties will also be investigated.

Parents/teachers/staff members who are interested in participating will complete an online questionnaire. The questions will be used to identify early indicators of behavioural difficulties (and the type of difficulties present), to evaluate communication skills and social functioning, and to identify the presence/absence of the 13 preschool life skills.

Link to access questionnaire:

http://goo.gl/forms/HGpjDZIwwG

If you would like additional information please contact:

Carolyn Ritchey

Email: ritcheyc@tcd.ie

Phone: +353 89 452 5331