Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Benefits of participation?

Parents participating in the study will work with a highly trained therapist conducting individualized sessions to develop effective behavior strategies for home. Over the course of the training sessions, parents come to better understand the purposes their child's behavior serves and develop a plan to deal with it more positively and effectively.

Who is carrying out the study?

Directed by Drs. Mark Durand and Meme Hieneman, the study is a collaborative effort involving the College of Arts and Sciences at USF St. Petersburg and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities in Tampa, Florida and Albany, New York. The project is funded by the Office of Special Eduation Research at the U.S. Department of Education.

What will participation involve?

The study requires parents to attend (8) 90 minute sessions with a trained therapist (scheduling based on parents' availablity). Parents allow videotaping of their child and complete assessments to evaluate the outcomes of the study.

What are the criteria to be considered?

To be considered for participation in this study:

1. The child must be between 3-5 years of age and have an identified developmental disability.
2. The child must be experiencing significant problem behavior (e.g. aggression, self-injury, tantrums).
3. Parents must be willing to participate in all aspects of the study (see above).
4. Parents must not have received extensive training or support in positive behavior support prior to starting the study.

What are my rights as a research participant?

Being in this study is completely voluntary. Participants are not under any obligation to consent to participate and may withdraw from the study at any time. Confidentiality is strictly enforced.

What is the cost?

Funding for the project is provided by a federal research grant and therefore participants incur no costs.