SoAP PhD student, Billy Fitzgerald, and co-authors, Christopher McCusker, Maria Dempsey, and Audrey Dunn Galvin, recently published a research paper in the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Emotional and behavioural difficulties including depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity are elevated in autistic children (AC). Family processes of a psychological nature are associated with these difficulties, but the direction of influence is uncertain. We searched seven bibliographic databases for prospective, quantitative studies on the impact of family processes across the parent, dyad, and family system levels on the later well-being of AC without intellectual disability, across a minimum of six months. Eligible studies were extracted following PRISMA guidelines and narratively synthesised. Sixteen of the 17 studies included for review reported significant associations between at least one family process and later well-being. Parenting stress and aspects of the parent–child relationship yielded most robust associations. Weaker support was found for parent mental health problems. Clinical and research implications are discussed. Read in full here

Please join us in celebrating Celebrating 25 Years of Early Years for the 'Looking Back, Looking Forward' Conference:10 March 2023 at the Dora Allman Room, Student Hub Building, UCC. Sign in time: 9.00am Attendance Fee: €10; to register please scan the QR Code below. Keynote Speakers Dr. Ionna Palaiologou, Centre for Psychological Approaches for Studying Education, University of Bristol Geraldine French, Associate Professor School of Language, Literacy & Early Childhood Education, DCU Máire Mhic Mhathúna, Chairperson Qualifications Advisory Board for the Early Learning and Care Sector

Researchers from the University College Cork, the School of Applied Psychology hosted a two-day event to present and discuss in person the new training handbook of ASpida. They invited a group of individuals with chronic pain, members of the Chronic Pain Ireland (CPI) who participated in a series of activities that focused on pilot testing the new protocol. ASpida is an innovative community-based program that aims to tackle the effects of stigma in chronic pain.