Acknowledgments

There are many people who have helped me during the last year. I would first like to thank my wonderful partner, Gavin, for your love, support and understanding during this busy year. Thanks to my supervisors, Neville Blampied and Garry Hornby for your support and guidance throughout this project. Thanks also to Fiona, Janette and Susana for your interest and support, and for letting me have my Wednesdays to study! Thanks to all of my parents for your love and support. Without you I never would have been able to study to this level. Thanks particularly to Dad, who understands what it is like to write a thesis! Grateful thanks to all of the families for providing me with the information to carry out this research. Without you this thesis would not exist! There is also a special group of young people who have provided me with inspiration and enthusiasm to continue to study and work in the special needs area. Kelse, Hayley, Sarah