Assessing Child Life Specialists' Knowledge, Competency, and Comfort Levels Managing Challenging Behaviors in Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Date
2021-05
Authors
Lavery, Kaitlyn
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Abstract
The present study assessed perceived competency and comfort levels among
Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) regarding the management of common
challenging behaviors exhibited by pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) in healthcare settings. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, 131 CCLSs completed
an online survey that assessed perspectives on managing challenging behavior, current
knowledge of childhood ASD, as well as any training or education participants had
received on childhood ASD and challenging behavior. The majority of participants
reported having experience providing care to children on the spectrum who exhibited
challenging behavior while working as a CCLS in a healthcare setting. Findings indicated
that very few participants reported high levels on both their perceived competency and
comfort regarding managing a variety of challenging behaviors. Results showed that
knowledge and the amount of training CCLSs had received on childhood autism and
challenging behaviors positively and significantly correlated with their perceived
competency and comfort levels managing such behaviors in the hospital.
Description
Keywords
Child life, Child life specialists, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Challenging behavior, Human development
Citation
Lavery, K. (2021). <i>Assessing child life specialists' knowledge, competency, and comfort levels managing challenging behaviors in pediatric patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder</i> (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.