CBA Webinar: Parent training with Stephen Gallagher

Autism: The Importance of Parent Training in Addressing the Needs of Families

Abstract
Despite the rising numbers of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the fact that it is parents who carry the greatest burden of caring for their children, there has been little investment in effective parent training. Given the huge pressures facing statutory services, there is an urgent need for parents to learn practical skills that they can implement in their own home to improve quality of life for their child and family. It is generally acknowledged that early intervention is essential in addressing the needs of children with ASD. Given limited resources it makes sense to educate parents as key persons in their child’s educational and health development. Research has shown that appropriate parent training in evidence-based practice benefits children’s developmental outcomes and reduces family stress. This seminar will focus on the steps we can put in place to help parents address their child’s needs effectively.

Bio:
Dr Stephen Gallagher is a senior lecturer in behaviour analysis in the School of Psychology at Ulster University. He is Course Director of the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and is a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-D).
He is also the chair person of the parent-led charity called Parents’ education as autism therapists (PEAT).
His research interests include parent training, early behavioural intervention for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, dementia, increasing social interaction and independence amongst the institutionalised elderly, and using eye tracking equipment as a tool to teach appropriate gaze behaviours (in relation to areas such food labelling and social stimuli). For 7 years Stephen worked in the community as a Consultant Behaviour Analyst for the local autism charity “Parents’ Education as Autism Therapists” where he helped create “Simple Steps”. His role involved designing and implementing home- and school-based ABA programmes for children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) before joining the School of Psychology at Ulster University in 2007.