Whitney Brooks, M.A.

Trainee Type:

IDD Psychology, Research Trainee

Email:

whitney.brooks@osumc.edu

Year:

2011-2013



Biography:

Focus of Study/Abstract:

Assessing the Validity of the Social Communication Questionnaire in a Sample of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability

This project seeks to expand on current research of the validity of a promising ASD screening measure, the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), which has primarily focused on the psychometric properties of this measure in children. Identifying autism spectrum disorders in both children and adults who present with diverse symptoms is a crucial step in understanding the nature of these disorders and allocating resources to individuals who may need specific treatment and support for the associated challenges. People with ASDs often require extensive life-long support, and researchers and professionals argue that continued assessment throughout the lifespan is essential for maintaining appropriate support and treatment.

Education

Doctoral Candidate in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Clinical Psychology; The Ohio State University.

Master of Arts, Psychology; Department of Psychology, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Clinical Psychology Program; The Ohio State University, 2010.

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Minor, History; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004.

Research Interests

Research interests include diagnosis and assessment/screening measures for adults with autism spectrum disorders; autism spectrum disorders/intellectual disability and psychiatric diagnoses (dual diagnoses); aggressive and challenging behavior in adults with autism spectrum disorders; gender differences in autism spectrum disorders and other psychiatric disorders in adults with intellectual disability.

Grant and Fellowship Awards

Student Travel Award for 2010 APA Annual Convention, 2010

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND) Trainee/Fellowship Recipient, 2009

University Fellowship, The Ohio State University, 2007

Publications

Benson, B., & Brooks, W. (2008). Aggressive challenging behaviour and intellectual disability. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 21, 454-458.

Posters/Presentations

Brooks, W. T., & Benson, B. A. (2011, May). Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adults with Intellectual Disability: The Validity of the Social Communication Questionnaire. Poster Session presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, San Diego, Calif.

Brooks, W. T., Butler, B. M., & Benson, B. A. (2010, August). Gender differences in Autism Symptoms. Poster session presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, San Diego, Calif.

Brooks, W. T., & Benson, B. A. (2010, May). Assessing the Validity of the Social Communication Questionnaire in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability. Poster Session presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Philadelphia, Pa.

Brooks, W. T., & Benson, B. A. (2009, June). Mental Health and Behavioral Issues in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Poster session presented at the American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Annual Conference, New Orleans, La.

Honors

Graduated with Highest Distinction from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004

Phi Beta Kappa National Honors Society, 2003

Coker-Fox UNC Scholarship Recipient, 2000