Parents and children from PEAT (Parents? Education as Autism Therapists) attended a special presentation at the University?s Coleraine campus to show their appreciation for a new Masters course.
The Masters Degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), run by the School of Psychology, is the first degree in Ireland aimed at addressing the needs of children with autism
ABA is a scientifically validated approach to helping children with Autism achieve their full potential. PEAT has long been campaigning for autism intervention that is based upon sound scientific evidence. ABA is the only intervention and educational approach that has strong scientific evidence to support it.
The Masters programme was spearheaded by the community work of Dr Mickey Keenan, who set up the charity PEAT, which has been working alongside the School of Psychology to help plan the course.
Two staff members from the PEAT charity along with two PEAT parents are already enrolled on the part-time course.
Dr Tony Byrne, father of two children with autism and Chairperson of PEAT said: ?Parents are delighted that the University is taking such a pro-active role in addressing the needs of children with autism in our community. At last professionals who want accredited training in ABA can access it in Northern Ireland. This is only the beginning and we hope to continue our work with the University to establish a research and treatment centre. The Masters degree is good news for families living with autism in Northern Ireland.
?The course is the only one of its kind in the UK that provides supervised placement and it is intended that graduates will become Certified Behaviour Analysts. The content of the course has been approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board?.
During the presentation at the Coleraine campus, Josh Sloan, aged 9, presented University of Ulster Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Barnett, with a token of PEAT?s appreciation.