Purdue News

March 13, 1998 Purdue researchers seek families of special needs children WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University's Department of Child Development and Family Studies needs Greater Lafayette families for a study on how children with special needs make the transition from childhood to adolescence, and the influence their families have on that process. Researchers are looking for children with special needs who are in the fourth through eighth grades. These needs can include a wide variety of challenges, such as physical disabilities, chronic illness, learning disabilities, communication disorders and emotional or behavioral difficulties including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Children and their parents will complete several surveys either at Purdue or in their homes. Researchers then will interview each participating family member on their responses and other personal information. The project is designed to help researchers better understand how children's relationships with parents, peers and teachers influence how they feel about themselves. "We hope to learn how to better create healthy learning environments for children with special needs," said project director Laura Hess, assistant professor of child development. There is no cost for participating in this study, and steps will be taken to ensure each family's privacy. All families who participate will be entered into a raffle for a special family prize, such as a certificate for dinner at a restaurant or tickets for a special event. For more information on participating in the study, contact Hess at (765) 494-1029. CONTACT: Hess, (765) 494-1029. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page