[csaa-forum] Three-year funded PhD scholarship opportunity in technology and autism

[Isabelle deSolier]

Dear colleagues,

Together with the Young and Well CRC, Victoria University is looking to fill a unique PhD role in Melbourne, Australia developing innovative research methods, informed or mediated by technology, that respond to the needs of young people with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

This PhD project will build upon the recently released evaluation of The Lab and is a rare opportunity for someone looking to bring together their passion for technology and working alongside young people with their enthusiasm for innovative approaches to research. This PhD opportunity is specialised and will need someone interested in both technology and autism.

The Lab is a growing network of technology clubs for young people with High Functioning Autism / Asperger's Syndrome, as well as their parents and carers. Established in early 2011, The Lab currently caters for 200 families in Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Geelong, with more locations underway. All Labs offer personal mentoring in technology by programming and design professionals, as well as the chance to meet others and develop social skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The focus of the PhD project will be:

* The development of innovative research methodologies, informed or mediated by technology, that respond to the needs of young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, and that accurately reflect participants' voices;

* The use of these methodologies to a) better understand how The Lab works, especially in its interaction of the technological and the social, and b) develop cross-Lab evaluations that accurately capture impact on participants and families; and

* The development of protocols and guidelines for new Labs that are designed to facilitate maximum positive impact based on evaluation data.

This project is concerned with exploring and developing innovative research methodologies that support and respect the safety and self-worth of young people diagnosed with High Functioning Autism or Asperger's Syndrome, and that are also reliable and valid. This research has the potential to influence current practice in how these young people are involved in research.

If you know someone who fits the bill, please let them know about this opportunity.

Applications close 2 December 2013. For further information, visit the VU website at http://www.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/study-with-us/pdfs/The-Lab-scholarship-application-form-2013.pdf or contact Dr Stefan Schutt at Victoria University (stefan.schutt at vu.edu.au).

Links:
The Lab http://www.thelab.org.au/
Young and Well CRC http://youngandwellcrc.org.au/ Victoria University http://www.vu.edu.au/ Evaluation of The Lab http://www.youngandwellcrc.org.au/document/0f5f35d4728172e8fba990_17116834f3/Evaluation_Report_The_Lab_Final_240913.pdf



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