Linda Mitchell - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Linda Mitchell

Research paper thumbnail of The effectiveness of assistive technology ( TAPi t ® and VizZle ® ) to enhance progress of young children with autism spectrum disorders

It is known that young children with autism require specialized support in order to make educatio... more It is known that young children with autism require specialized support in order to make educational progress. It has been reported that children with autism are also visual learners and that their interactions with technology are sometimes more motivating than interactions with teachers. The interactive monitor used for this study was the TAP∙it®, (Touch Accessible Platform for Interactive Technology) and the visual learning software used in conjunction with this technology is called VizZle®. This study focused on the use of both of these new technologies by comparing rate of progress in achieving individualized learning goals of study of 8 randomly selected preschool children with autism against a previous rate of attainment without the technology tools. The data indicated progress beyond the target goals and the rate of attainment was higher than that of growth without the treatment condition. Individual participant results and overall trends are presented and discussed. Although...

Research paper thumbnail of Family Supports and Services in Early Intervention: A Bold Vision

Journal of Early Intervention, 2007

This article utilizes four knowledge sources to characterize a current gap in policy and practice... more This article utilizes four knowledge sources to characterize a current gap in policy and practice related to serving families in early intervention (birth to 5) programs. It argues that the field of early intervention has focused primarily on implementing family-centered practices by focusing on how families and professionals should interact. The field has not sufficiently addressed what supports and services should be offered to families to enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes for families themselves and for their children with disabilities. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing policy, research, and professional development related to family services and supports.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Influencing Decisions About Prenatal Genetic Testing for Autism Among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 2020

Objectives Prenatal genetic testing (PGT) for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is clinically avail... more Objectives Prenatal genetic testing (PGT) for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is clinically available in the USA; however, PGTfor-autism is controversial in actual clinical practices. This study investigated the association between psychosocial determinants and the intention to undergo PGT among mothers of children with autism. Methods Questionnaires were distributed through electric recruitment letters sent to the major local and regional autism parent groups and organizations. Also, paper-and-pencil-based surveys were administered in two local school settings. Results The final sample consisted of 184 mothers with an average age of 37.7 years old. The majority was Caucasian (74.5%) and most (85.4%) had attained "Some college degree," "Bachelor's degree," or "Graduate degree." Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mothers' intention to undergo PGT-for-autism, controlling social-demographic variables (e.g., age race/ethnicity, income level). Results showed that "opinion of a healthcare professional," "desire to help with autism research," and "accuracy of the test results" were significantly associated with mothers' intention to undergo PGT-for-autism (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions The findings highlight the important role of health professionals in helping mothers understand PGT-for-autism, making relevant genetic testing recommendations and assisting mothers to make informed decisions regarding PGT-for-autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating Web-based Educational Modules on Genetic Testing for Autism among Parents of Children with Autism

American journal of health behavior, Jan 7, 2018

Objectives New genomic tests for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are being offered to children an... more Objectives New genomic tests for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are being offered to children and families with ASD; however, these tests are underutilized by parents of children affected with ASD. Methods We designed, implemented and pilot-tested an educational intervention to enhance parental genetic knowledge and assist them to make informed decisions about genomic testing. We utilized a pre-/post-test design to evaluate genetic knowledge and test perceptions in a sample of parents of children with ASD. Results Fifty-three parents participated in our online training (5 modules) and completed pre- and post-assessments. Our surveys queried knowledge, attitudes, and intention to test. The knowledge section contained questions regarding autism, genes, and genetic testing for autism. The other 2 sections included attitudinal questions about testing as well as parents' behavioral intention to seek genetic testing for autism. Conclusions Our results indicate that knowledge signific...

Research paper thumbnail of Family Supports and Services in Early Intervention: A Bold Vision

Journal of Early Intervention, 2007

... 2007 29: 187 Journal of Early Intervention Miksch, Linda Mitchell, Lisa Sharp and Vera Stroup... more ... 2007 29: 187 Journal of Early Intervention Miksch, Linda Mitchell, Lisa Sharp and Vera Stroup-Rentier Stowe, Mary Beth Bruder, Nancy Divenere, Pam Epley, Margy Hornback, Barbara Huff, Peggy Richard Roberts, Patricia Snyder, Robin Mcwilliam, Lynette Chandler, Suzanne ...

Research paper thumbnail of The effectiveness of assistive technology ( TAPi t ® and VizZle ® ) to enhance progress of young children with autism spectrum disorders

It is known that young children with autism require specialized support in order to make educatio... more It is known that young children with autism require specialized support in order to make educational progress. It has been reported that children with autism are also visual learners and that their interactions with technology are sometimes more motivating than interactions with teachers. The interactive monitor used for this study was the TAP∙it®, (Touch Accessible Platform for Interactive Technology) and the visual learning software used in conjunction with this technology is called VizZle®. This study focused on the use of both of these new technologies by comparing rate of progress in achieving individualized learning goals of study of 8 randomly selected preschool children with autism against a previous rate of attainment without the technology tools. The data indicated progress beyond the target goals and the rate of attainment was higher than that of growth without the treatment condition. Individual participant results and overall trends are presented and discussed. Although...

Research paper thumbnail of Family Supports and Services in Early Intervention: A Bold Vision

Journal of Early Intervention, 2007

This article utilizes four knowledge sources to characterize a current gap in policy and practice... more This article utilizes four knowledge sources to characterize a current gap in policy and practice related to serving families in early intervention (birth to 5) programs. It argues that the field of early intervention has focused primarily on implementing family-centered practices by focusing on how families and professionals should interact. The field has not sufficiently addressed what supports and services should be offered to families to enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes for families themselves and for their children with disabilities. The paper concludes with recommendations for enhancing policy, research, and professional development related to family services and supports.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors Influencing Decisions About Prenatal Genetic Testing for Autism Among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 2020

Objectives Prenatal genetic testing (PGT) for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is clinically avail... more Objectives Prenatal genetic testing (PGT) for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is clinically available in the USA; however, PGTfor-autism is controversial in actual clinical practices. This study investigated the association between psychosocial determinants and the intention to undergo PGT among mothers of children with autism. Methods Questionnaires were distributed through electric recruitment letters sent to the major local and regional autism parent groups and organizations. Also, paper-and-pencil-based surveys were administered in two local school settings. Results The final sample consisted of 184 mothers with an average age of 37.7 years old. The majority was Caucasian (74.5%) and most (85.4%) had attained "Some college degree," "Bachelor's degree," or "Graduate degree." Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mothers' intention to undergo PGT-for-autism, controlling social-demographic variables (e.g., age race/ethnicity, income level). Results showed that "opinion of a healthcare professional," "desire to help with autism research," and "accuracy of the test results" were significantly associated with mothers' intention to undergo PGT-for-autism (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions The findings highlight the important role of health professionals in helping mothers understand PGT-for-autism, making relevant genetic testing recommendations and assisting mothers to make informed decisions regarding PGT-for-autism.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluating Web-based Educational Modules on Genetic Testing for Autism among Parents of Children with Autism

American journal of health behavior, Jan 7, 2018

Objectives New genomic tests for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are being offered to children an... more Objectives New genomic tests for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are being offered to children and families with ASD; however, these tests are underutilized by parents of children affected with ASD. Methods We designed, implemented and pilot-tested an educational intervention to enhance parental genetic knowledge and assist them to make informed decisions about genomic testing. We utilized a pre-/post-test design to evaluate genetic knowledge and test perceptions in a sample of parents of children with ASD. Results Fifty-three parents participated in our online training (5 modules) and completed pre- and post-assessments. Our surveys queried knowledge, attitudes, and intention to test. The knowledge section contained questions regarding autism, genes, and genetic testing for autism. The other 2 sections included attitudinal questions about testing as well as parents' behavioral intention to seek genetic testing for autism. Conclusions Our results indicate that knowledge signific...

Research paper thumbnail of Family Supports and Services in Early Intervention: A Bold Vision

Journal of Early Intervention, 2007

... 2007 29: 187 Journal of Early Intervention Miksch, Linda Mitchell, Lisa Sharp and Vera Stroup... more ... 2007 29: 187 Journal of Early Intervention Miksch, Linda Mitchell, Lisa Sharp and Vera Stroup-Rentier Stowe, Mary Beth Bruder, Nancy Divenere, Pam Epley, Margy Hornback, Barbara Huff, Peggy Richard Roberts, Patricia Snyder, Robin Mcwilliam, Lynette Chandler, Suzanne ...