Early childhood educators' provision of remote learning during COVID-19.

This study utilized a nationally distributed survey to explore early childhood teachers' experience of providing remote learning to young children and their families during the early months of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used to analyze 805 participants' responses to closed and open-ended survey questions. Results indicated that teachers provided various remote learning activities and spent more time planning instruction and communicating with families than providing instruction directly to children. Early childhood teachers reported several positive aspects of remote learning and various challenges during the initial months of the pandemic. Study findings are discussed in the context of policy and practical implications for supporting early childhood teachers to deliver high-quality and developmentally appropriate remote learning for all young children and their families.

CLEAR Autism Diagnostic Evaluation (CADE): Evaluation of Reliability and Validity.

Recent surveillance efforts indicate that 1 in 54 American children meet the criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), making it the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in the U.S. Despite evidence that ASD can be reliably diagnosed as early as 24 months, the median age at ASD diagnosis in 2016 in the U.S. was 51 months. The CLEAR Autism Diagnostic Evaluation (CADE; Willard & Kroncke, 2019), was developed in response to the need to improve, shorten, and standardize the clinical ASD evaluation process. The CADE is a 33-item rating scale designed to be completed by caregivers and clinicians. The current study was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the CADE using a sample of 191 individuals who received a private evaluation for ASD. Using the client's evaluation records, clinicians completed the CADE items. The coefficient alpha was .94, which indicates that the items form a scale that has high internal consistency. The CADE total scores were highly correlated with ADOS scores, with r values ranging from .52-.86, and discriminated between those participants with a diagnosis of ASD and those without (p < .001). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses indicated excellent diagnostic accuracy of the CADE total score (ROC area under the curve = .998). Results suggest that the CADE can be used as an efficient and accurate means of evaluating ASD. Limitations and implications for use of the CADE are discussed.

Shifting to Remote Learning During COVID-19: Differences for Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Teachers.

This study explored similarities and differences in how early childhood education (ECE) teachers (n = 947) and early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers (n = 160) provided remote learning to young children and their families following COVID-19 shelter in place orders in the spring of 2020. The most utilized remote learning activities for both ECE and ECSE teachers were the provision of activities for families to use at home, communication with families, online lessons, and singing songs and reading books. Both types of professionals spent more time planning and communicating with families than providing instruction to children. Results of chi-square tests of independence revealed differences in activities provided, how time was spent, and training received by professional role. Open-ended responses revealed particular challenges for ECE and ECSE teachers. Findings are discussed in the context of how the early childhood field adapted quickly to remote learning during COVID-19 and the implications for ongoing technology support for early childhood personnel based on their professional role. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10643-021-01218-w.

An Analysis of State Autism Educational Assessment Practices and Requirements.

States differ in the procedures and criteria used to identify ASD. These differences are likely to impact the prevalence and age of identification for children with ASD. The purpose of the current study was to examine the specific state variations in ASD identification and eligibility criteria requirements. We examined variations by state in autism assessment practices and the proportion of children eligible for special education services under the autism category. Overall, our findings suggest that ASD identification practices vary across states, but most states use federal guidelines, at least in part, to set their requirements. Implications and recommendations for policy and practice are discussed.

The impact of exposure to peer suicidal self-directed violence on youth suicidal behavior: a critical review of the literature.

There is considerable evidence that being exposed to the suicide or suicidal behavior of another can increase the risk for suicide. Significant relationships between media coverage and youth suicide have been documented in the professional literature. Exposure to familial suicidal behavior has also been established as a risk factor for youth suicidal behavior; However, peer suicide exposure is not as clear cut as research results in this area have been mixed. In the current paper the empirical literature focused on the associations between exposure to peer suicides and suicide attempts and youth suicidal behavior is critically reviewed. Effect sizes were computed for each of the 23 studies included in the review to allow for cross-study comparisons. The results demonstrate that having a friend or acquaintance attempt suicide is significantly related to risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. However, the support for the relationship between the suicide of a peer and youth suicidal behavior was less consistent. Implications for clinical practice and suicide postvention as well as areas of future research are discussed.

Cramer's model of willingness to seek counseling: a structural equation model for counseling students.

The author tested how well K. M. Cramer's model of willingness to seek counseling fit for master's level counseling students. Counseling students (N = 519) from across the United States completed a survey. Using structural equation modeling, the author found that Cramer's model fit with counseling students. Counseling students were most likely to report being willing to seek counseling if they had a positive attitude toward counseling, low level of self-concealment, high level of distress, and low social support.