Student Name(s): Kathleen Bauer, Alyssa Blasko, Grace Enriquez, Lindsay Hunsicker, Emily Tasik

Course: CINQ 388-389 – Inquiry to Impact Projects

Faculty Member: Kristi Morin

Project Details: Link here

Project description:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a global health concern; however, nearly everything we know about autism comes from research in high-income countries. The dearth of research on ASD is particularly problematic in countries across Africa. A recent review revealed that Africa had the least amount of autism research conducted in the world, likely due to the lack of a culturally appropriate screening and diagnostic tool to identify individuals with ASD. Through this project, we will evaluate tools commonly used in the United States to diagnose autism in order to assess their feasibility and cultural appropriateness. We will also collect qualitative data during a trip to Sierra Leone to inform the development of a freely available, culturally appropriate screening and diagnostic tool for use in West Africa.