Research Interests

My broad research interest is to better understand the restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests (RRBIs) of autism. My current research focuses are twofolds: (i) determine ways to predict and characterize RRBIs of children with autism; (ii) examine the longitudinal impact of RRBIs (specifically motor stereotypy) on the development of everyday living skills (i.e., adaptive skills) of children with autism.

For focus (i), the sensory and cognitive profiles of children with autism are explored to determine the extent to which can these two areas of functioning can predict the form (e.g., motor stereotypy, circumscribed interests, rituals) and intensity of RRBIs. This research focus clarifies mechanisms of RRBIs and aids intervention planning.

For focus (ii), the relationship between motor stereotypy of children with autism and everyday living skills is explored longitudinally every two years from aged 8 to 14 years (i.e., ages in years of 8-10, 10-12, 12-14). This research focus provides insights into the role and impact of stereotypy on child’s adaptive skills, which are keys to long-term wellbeing and quality of life.

Keywords: cognitive flexibility, sensory processing, restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests (RRBIs), everyday living skills

Publications

Journal Articles

Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (Under review). Cognitive flexibility skills of children and adolescents with autism: A review of performance- and questionnaire-based studies.

Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (Under review). Brief report: An exploration of cognitive flexibility of autistic adolescents with low intelligence.

Lung, S.L.M., Wincentak, J., Gan, C., Kingsnorth, S., Provvidenza, C., & McPherson, A.C. (Under review). Are healthcare providers and young people talking about sexuality? A scoping review to characterize conversations and identify barriers.

Lung, S.L.M., Wincentak, J., Gan, C., Kingsnorth, S., Provvidenza, C., & McPherson, A.C. (Under review). How should healthcare providers discuss sexuality with youth? A scoping review to identify guiding principles.

Lung, S.L.M. (2018).Evidence-Based Practice and Practice-Based Evidence in School Psychology. NASP Communiqué, 47(1), 8-9

Lung, S.L.M., Lee, E.H.M., Chen, E.Y.H., Chan, S.K.W., Chang, W.C., & Hui, C.L.M. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of antipsychotic polypharmacy in Hong Kong. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 33, 113-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2018.03.012 

Selected Conference Presentations

• Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (2020, February 25-26). Influence of sensory processing in predicting mannerisms. Poster session presented at the Transforming Autism Care Consortium, Montréal, Canada.
• Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (2020, February 18-21). Social challenges of intellectually impaired adolescents with and without autism. Poster session presented at the National Association of School Psychologists Annual Convention, Baltimore, United States.
• Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (2020, January 24). Predicting autistic mannerisms: Perseveration, sensory threshold and intelligence. Poster session presented at the Annual Conference of Centre for Research in Human Development at Concordia University, Montréal, Canada.
• Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (2019, November 29). Role of sensory processing in social communication among intellectually impaired individuals with and without autism. Poster session presented at the Neuroscience Research Center of the Université du Québec à Montréal (NeuroQAM) Conference, Montréal, Canada.
• Lung, S.L.M., Wincentak, J., Gan, C., Kingsnorth, S., Provvidenza, C., Moola, F., Gurza, A., Malana, C., Dangerfield, B., & McPherson, A.C. (2019, November 19). How should we talk about sex? A scoping review of conversations between healthcare providers and youth about sexuality. Quick-hit oral and poster sessions at the 14^th Bloorview Research Institute Symposium, Toronto, Canada.
• Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (2019, May 23-26). The dual facets of cognitive flexibility: Key to its paradox and autism assessment. Poster session presented at the annual Association of Psychological Science Convention,Washington D.C., United States.
• Lung, S.L.M., & Bertone, A. (2019, May 1-4). The local and global dimensions of autistic cognitive functioning. Poster session presented at the International Society of Autism Research Meeting, Montréal, Canada.