The dissertation defense will be open and held virtually.
This event has passed. The written dissertation or abstract is available by clicking the link below.
The PhD in Translational Health Sciences Program is proud to announce the Dissertation Defense of:
PhD Candidate: Monika Sinha-Bhamra, MPH, OTR/L
Virtual Education Implementation for Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dissertation Committee Chair: Leslie Davidson, PhD, OT/L, FAOTA
December 4, 2023, 11:00-1:00 PM ET
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) rely on the routines and structures within specialized educational programs. The COVID-19 pandemic forced an abrupt shift to virtual platforms where individually prescribed strategies around structure were disrupted. This multi-case qualitative study examines the experiences of caregivers and education providers, who work with children with ASD in the Washington DC metropolitan region, during the transition to virtual education. Interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of said interested parties in order to understand how contextual factors influence virtual education implementation. Three key areas emerged as critical to the implementation process. These include the development of intervention plans and strategies, collaboration among Individualized Education Program (IEP) team members, and pandemic-induced changes in roles and resources. Findings contributed to the creation of the Model of Translation and Implementation of Virtual Education for children with ASD (MOTIVE-ASD). Findings also contributed to recommended education standards that a school district may use to enhance the educational experiences for children with ASD, decrease the role burden on education providers and caregivers, and assist school systems in their preparation for future transitions from face-to-face education to virtual education platforms.