Education
Doctor of Philosophy, York University (in progress)
Master of Arts, York University
Health Diploma, York University (in progress)
Bachelor of Arts, York University
Research Interests:
My current research interests include a range of areas related to the mental health of caregivers and their children with developmental disabilities. Areas include school experiences of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including self-esteem and feelings of social competence and peer acceptance, and the efficacy of social skills groups for children with high-functioning ASD. I am also interested in caregiver well-being, including parent feelings of empowerment, and acceptance. My MA thesis focused on evaluating a cognitive behaviour therapy group for youth with high functioning ASD and concurrent anxiety symptoms. The attainment of sexual knowledge and relationship development in adolescents and young adults with ASD will be an area of research focus during my doctorate.
Published Manuscripts:
Weiss, J.A., Cappadocia, M.C., MacMullin, J.A., Viecili, M.A., & Lunsky, Y. (in press). Psychological acceptance and empowerment as mediators of the impact of problem behaviour in children with autism spectrum disorders on parent mental health. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice.
Viecili, M.A., Weiss, J.A., Lunsky, Y., & Shupak, S. (2010). The relationship between social acceptance, problem behaviours, and social skills as perceived by youth with high functioning autism spectrum disorders. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 16(3), 72-75.
MacMullin, J.A., Viecili, M.A., Cappadocia, M.C., & Weiss, J.A. (2010). Parent empowerment and mental health: Understanding parent perceptions of the educational experience. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 16(3), 68-71.
Viecili, M.A., MacMullin, J.A., Weiss, J.A., & Lunsky, Y. (2010). Predictors of psychology graduate student interest in the field of developmental disabilities. Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 3(4), 190-201.
Viecili, M.A., Lunsky, Y., & Strike, C. (2009). Caregiver versus self reported views on what is important to clients with intellectual disability. Journal on Developmental Disabilities. 15(2), 99-102.
Selected Poster Presentations:
Viecili, M.A., Lunsky, Y., Weiss, J.A. (2010, May). A Program Evaluation of a Social Interaction and Education Group for Youth with Asperger Syndrome. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Philadelphia, PA.
Weiss, J.A., Viecili, M.A., MacMullin, J.A., Summers, J., & Bohr, Y. (2010, May). A Pilot Study of Group CBT Targeting Anxiety in Children with Asperger Syndrome. Poster presentation at the International Meeting for Autism Research, Philadelphia, PA.
Viecili, M.A., MacMullin, J., Weiss, J., Lunsky, Y., & Morin, D. (2010, April). Predictors of Canadian graduate student interest in the field of developmental disability. Poster presentation at the NADD International Congress & Exhibit Show for 2010: Innovations and Interventions (MH/IDD), Toronto, ON.
Funding:
2011 Frederick Banding and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship- Doctoral Award Recipient, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
2010 Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship- Master’s Award Recipient, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Contact
mviecili@yorku.ca
