QUB PhD student Amy Tanner, supervised by Dr Katerina Dounavi, was interviewed by Global News in Canada. Amy commented on the importance of early detection of autism signs that can lead to early access to much needed behaviour analytic intervention for infants.
Amy's doctoral research focuses on early detection of infants at risk for autism diagnosis and access to parent'-mediated verbal behaviour analytic intervention. Her findings, currently under review in a leading journal in the field of autism, show very positive outcomes for all parent-infant dyads who participated in her study. The model developed during her doctoral studies is set to change service delivery in Canada and globally, moving focus to earlier intervention and a more intense involvement of caregivers.