Trainee: Kristen McFee

PhD Candidate

York University

Supervisor: Dr. James Bebko

Research Project: Pictures as a Communicative Tool for Children with Autism

Many children with autism, with limited language abilities, utilize picture-based communication systems. In general, these systems operate such that words are paired with pictures and then exchanged for desired items in the child's environment. My research examines whether children with autism understand the symbolic nature of pictures - that pictures can represent real-world objects. Further, I am interested whether this symbolic ability is even required to use picture-based communication systems effectively. If so, can it predict which children are best-suited for this type of intervention and those who will demonstrate best outcomes (e.g. development of speech, enhanced communication with parents, teacher, and peers, decreased frustration)?

Publications

1. Lam, M., McFee, K., Chua, R., & Weeks, D.J. (2006). Macroscopic aspects of gross motor control: A test of the end-state comfort effect. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (RQES), 77 (3), 408-412.

Presentations

1. McFee, K. & Bebko, J. (March, 2007). Pictures as a communicative tool: Understanding the symbolic nature of pictures in children with autism. Poster presentation (accepted): Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD): Boston, MA
   
2. McFee, K. (October, 2006). A pictures worth: Can children with autism use pictures as symbols? Poster presentation: Autism Ontario Poster Session for the Geneva Centre for Autism International Symposium: Toronto, ON McFee, K. (October, 2006). Pictures as a communicative tool for children with autism. Poster presentation: Autism Academic Rounds: A Forum for Professionals: Hosted by The Child Development Centre, Hospital for Sick Children; TRE-ADD, Thistletown Regional Centre; Surrey Place Centre: Surrey Place Centre, Toronto, ON
   
3. McFee, K. & Bebko, J. & McCrimmon, A. (June, 2006). Understanding the symbolic nature of pictures in children with autism. Poster presentation: International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR): Montreal, QU
   
4. McFee, K., Bebko, J. & McCrimmon, A. (April, 2006). A reduced language protocol: Understanding the symbolic nature of pictures in children with autism. Poster presentation: OADD: RSIG: Barrie, ON