A global perspective: Quantitative changes in training participants’ knowledge of autism across selected settings within the United States and Singapore

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess and compare the effectiveness of the HANDS in Autism™ Model training curriculum, framework and process specific to changes in autism knowledge via the Autism Knowledge Survey-Revised (AKS-R; HANDS in Autism®, 2005). Additional exploration using the AKS-R, sought to explore differences in the global, Singapore training cohorts specific to their participation in either single-week or multi-week training formats. Results from this preliminary exploration demonstrated statistically significant improvement in autism knowledge across both countries. These findings provide initial evidence as to both the effectiveness and transportability of the HANDS in Autism® Model across participants and countries. While findings are specific to improved autism knowledge, the emerging potential of the Hands in Autism® Model as a comprehensive treatment model will be further discussed.