Dr Amanda Richdale

Position

Adjunct Professor

School /
Work Unit

Health Sciences

Contact Details

No Phone

Location

Bundoora West Campus

College/Portfolio

Science, Engineering & Health

Amanda Richdale

Qualifications

B.AppSci. (Textile Chem.; Gordon Institute of Technology);
M.Prelim. (Behav. Sc.), PhD (LaTrobe University); M.A.P.S.
Adjunct Professor, School of Health Sciences.

Research Interests

  • Sleep (particularly sleep issues in children with developmental disabilities)
  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Specific learning difficulties and developmental disabilities
  • Child development

Professional Affiliations

  • Registered Psychologist, Victoria

Association Membership

  • Australian Psychological Society
  • International Society for Autism Research
  • Australasian Sleep Association
  • Australian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability
  • International Pediatric Sleep Association
  • Australasian Autism Research Alliance
  • Autism Victoria
  • SPELD, Victoria

Committees

Member of the EPIC (Education Program for Infants and Children) board of management
Chair of the Autism Victoria Professional Panel
Member of the Autism Victoria Research Reference Group
Member of the Australasian Sleep Trials Network (ASTN) Paediatric Working Group.

Scholarly Journals

  • Member of the editorial board for Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Member of the review panel for Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities

Occasional or regular reviewer for:

  • Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
  • Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
  • International Journal of Disability Development and Education
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Brain
  • Pediatrics
  • Behavioral Interventions
  • Research in Developmental Disabilities
  • British Journal of Developmental Disabilities
  • Children Australia
  • Child Development
  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Autism
  • Australian Journal of Early Childhood

Awards

Autism Victoria Individual Achievement Award (2007): Services to the Autism Victoria Professional Panel.

Current RMIT Student Research (2009)

Doctor of Philosophy

Helen Chau: A study of approaches and methods of practice in early in intervention in autism and related disorders.

Rachel Leonard: Executive function in high-functioning autism, description and intervention

MickaelaSchelleman: The impact of diet on children’s behaviour and learning

Master of Psychology

Dylan Alexander: Friendships in adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder.

Courtney Michaels: Sleep and Psychopathology in children with an autism spectrum disorder or ADHD

Fourth Year Psychology

Rebecca Nadalin: Friendships, loneliness, and behavioural and emotional difficulties in adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders.

Completed Doctoral Students

2009: (submitted): Diane Jacobs: Language and reading development children with specific reading disability, specific language impairment, and high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. PhD, RMIT University

2008:Rosemary Badenoch: Evaluation of a program for children with autism who are climbers or absconders, PhD, University of Melbourne.

2007: Anthony Robinson, Children with an intellectual disability and sleep problems: The role of child and parent factors and treatment efficacy using the Signposts program. D.Psych., RMIT University

2005: Tania Pietrzak, Parent-driven behavioural interventions for children with an autism spectrum disorder: Supervision effects and family outcomes. PhD, RMIT University.

2005: Melinda Polimeni, Efficacy of a combined herbal treatment for sleep problems in young children with and without disabilities. PhD, RMIT University

2004: Julie Kos, Primary school teachers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours toward children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. PhD, RMIT University.

2001: Sophie Weiskop, The effectiveness of a parent training program to reduce sleep problems in children with autism or Fragile X syndrome. D.Psych, RMIT University.

1998: BrynneDippell, Dawn simulation in the treatment of sleep disorders in children with autism. PhD, California Graduate Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Recent Publications and Presentations

Publications

Book Chapters

Richdale, A., & Schreck, K. (2008). The history of assessment and treatment in autism spectrum disorders. In J. Matson (Ed). Clinician assessment and intervention for autism. New York: Elsevier.

Polimeni, M., Richdale, A., and Francis, A. (2007). Research update: clinical issues in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders, in New Research on Autism (pp. 3-60). New York: Nova Science Publishers.

Richdale, A. (2001). Sleep disorders in autism and Asperger’s syndrome. In G. Stores & L. Wiggs (Eds). Sleep disturbances in disorders of development: its significance and management (pp 181 – 191). London: MacKeith Press.

Reports

Richdale, A., Gavidia-Payne, S. Itsines, M., & Nixon, J. (2007). Development of Enhanced Signposts Program.Children with Autism Module. Department of Human Services (Vic).

Articles (2004+)

Richdale, A. L., & Schreck, K. A. (In Press). Sleep problems in autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence, nature, & possible biopsychosocial aetiologies. Sleep Medicine Reviews.

Harrell, D., Schreck, K., & Richdale, A. (2008). Sleep in the world of Autism. Sleep Review, March 2008. http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/issues/2008-03.asp

Mahar, N., & Richdale, A. (2008) Primary teachers’ linguistic knowledge and perceptions of early literacy instruction. Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, 13 (1).

Polimeni, M. A., Richdale, A. L., & Francis, A. J. P. (2007). The impact of children’s sleep problems on the family and behavioural processes related to their development and maintenance. E-Journal of Applied Psychology, 3, 76-85. http://ojs.lib.swin.edu.au/index.php/ejap/issue/view/12

Cotton, S., & Richdale, A. (2006). Brief Report: Parental Descriptions of Sleep Problems in Children with Autism, Down Syndrome, and Prader-Willi Syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 27, 151 - 161.

Kos, J. M., Richdale, A.L., & Hay, D. (2006) Children with ADHD and their teachers: A review of the literature. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 53, 147-160. (Special Issue on ADHD)

Polimeni, M. A., Richdale, A. L., & Francis, A. J. P. (2005). A survey of sleep problems in autism, Asperger’s disorder and typically developing children. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 49, 260 -268

Richdale, A., & Wiggs, L. (2005). Behavioural approaches to the treatment of sleep problems in children with developmental disorders. What is the state of the art? International Journal of Behavioral and Consultation Therapy, 1, 165-187.

Richdale, A. (2005). Behavioural treatment of sleep problems in children. Where are we? (abstract). Australian Journal of Psychology, 57 (suppl), 248.

Weiskop, S, Richdale, A., & Matthews, J. (2005). Treatment to Reduce Sleep Problems in Children with Autism or Fragile X Syndrome. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 47, 94-104

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2004). Language, speech and reading skills in children with developmental disabilities (Abstract). Australian Journal of Psychology, 56 (Suppl.), 193

Kos, J. M., & Richdale, A. L. (2004).The history of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder. Australian Journal of Learning Disabilities, 9, 22-24.

Richdale, A.L. (2004). A Comment on Honomichl et al. (2002). Sleep patterns of children with pervasive developmental disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34, 89-90.

Richdale, A.L. (2004, June). Sleep difficulties in children with an intellectual disability. Intellectual Disability Australasia,

Robinson, A.M. & Richdale, A.L. (2004). My child sleeps; mine doesn’t (Abstract).Journal of Sleep Research, 13 (Suppl. 1), 606.

Robinson, A. M., & Richdale, A. L. (2004). Sleep problems in children with an intellectual disability: Parental views of treatment, satisfaction and effectiveness. Child: Care, Health and Development, 30, 139-150.

Presentations (2004+)

International

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2008, May). Language and literacy subtypes in high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). London, UK.

Richdale, A., & Chu, J. (2008, May). Sleep quality in mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR). London, UK.

Richdale, A., & Jacobs, D. (2006, Sept). Language and reading in autism spectrum disorders and specific language impairments; similarities and differences. International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions, Melbourne, Australia. (Symposium paper)

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2006, July). Language and literacy development from Prep to Year 2 of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder or specific language impairment. International Society for the Study of Behaviour Development, Melbourne, Australia

Schelleman, M., & Richdale, A. (2006, July). Pilot study of a parent training program for children’s behaviour problems. International Society for the Study of Behaviour Development, Melbourne, Australia

Hamilton, D., & Richdale, A. (2005, Oct). Relationships among stress,sleep problems, and anxiety in people with autism and intellectual disability. Presented at the 40th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability, Auckland, October 2005

Hamilton, D., & Richdale, A. (2005, Sept.). Stress, sleep, and mental health problems in people with autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the Combined International Roundtable of the Health Issues and Mental Health Special Interest Groups of IASSID, Melbourne, Australia

Jacobs, D & Richdale, A. (2005, May). Language, reading and spelling skills in children with developmental disabilities. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Boston, USA.

Polimeni, MA., Richdale, AL., & Francis, AJP. (2005, May). Treatments for sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders: Prevalence of use & outcome. Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Boston, USA.

Richdale, AL., Polimeni, MA, & Francis, AJP. (2005, May). A Comparison of Sleep Patterns and Sleep Problems in Autism, Asperger’s Disorder, ADHD, and Typically Developing Children.Presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Boston, USA.

Robinson, A.M. & Richdale, A.L. (2004, October). My child sleeps; mine doesn’t. Presented at the European Sleep Research Society Congress, Prague, Czech Republic.

National

Chu, J., & Richdale, A. (2008, Oct). Sleep Quality and Psychological Well Being in Mothers of Children with Developmental Disabilities (DD), Australasian Sleep Association Conference, Adelaide, SA.

Richdale, A. (2008, Oct). Effects of Sleep Disturbance in Special Populations. Paediatric Workshop Paper, Australasian Sleep Association Conference, Adelaide, SA.

Richdale, A. (2008, Oct). Behavioural Intervention: Two Case Studies. Paediatric Workshop Paper, Australasian Sleep Association Conference, Adelaide, SA.

Moore, K., Richdale, A., & Dissanayke, C. (2007, March). Actual friendships, desired friendships and emotional problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Presented at the 2007 Biennial Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Gold Coast.

Richdale, A. (2005, Sept.). Behavioural treatment of sleep problems in children. Where are we? Presented at the 40th Annual Conference of the Australian Psychological Society, Melbourne.

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2005, July). Language and reading skills in children with developmental disabilities. Presented at the Australasian Human Development Conference, Perth, Western Australia

Toth, K.A., & Richdale, A. (2004, Oct). An investigation of sleep in the elderly: the impact of cognitive, physical and mental health factors on insomnia. Presented at 17th Annual Meeting of the Australasian Sleep Society, Sydney.

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2004, Oct). Language, speech and reading skills in children with developmental disabilities. Presented at the 39th Annual Conference of the Australian Psychological Society, Sydney.

Victorian

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2008, May). Language and literacy subtypes in high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the 7th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Jones, C., & Richdale, A. (2007, November). Saliency, complexity, and social information processing in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).Presented at the 6th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Schelleman, M., & Richdale, A. (2007, November). The relative and combined impact of diet and behaviour management to improve behaviour problems in children with an ASD.Presented at the 6th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2006, November). Language and literacy development from prep to Year two of children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder or specific language impairment.Presented at the 5th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Keating, C., & Richdale, A. (2006, November). Parent Perspectives of an autism Early Intervention Program. Presented at the 5th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Moore, K., Richdale, A., & Dissanayke, C. (2006, November). Actual friendships, desired friendships and emotional problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Presented at the 5th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne, Victoria.

Jacobs, D., & Richdale., A. (2005, Oct). Behaviour profiles of children with developmental disabilities. Presented at the 4th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Richdale, A. (2005, Oct). Sleep difficulties in autism spectrum disorder: Concerns and solutions. Presented at the 4th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Hammerschlag, R. T., & Richdale, A. (2005, Oct.). Poster Presented at the 4th Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne, Victoria

Abel, A., & Richdale, A. (2004, Nov).Social skills, friendship and attention in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Presented at the 3rd Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Chau, H., Richdale, A., & Gavidia-Payne (2004, Nov). A longitudinal assessment of children with autism in early intervention. Presented at the 3rd Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Jacobs, D., & Richdale, A. (2004, Nov). Language, speech and reading skills in children with developmental disabilities. Presented at the 3rd Autism Spectrum Disorder Research Forum, Melbourne.

Recent Funding

2008 - FaHCSIA National Autism Workshops Program 0-6 years. Member of partner organization (La Trobe University) with Parenting Research Centre (Lead Organisation)