Motivation for Kyoto-DAAD Programme

Verification of MAT-PA

By the time I applied for AI DA, I was working on developing a Motivation Assessment Tool for Physical Activity (MAT-PA) for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) (appear to be at greater risk of excess weight gain). Even though the tool was developed in the context of Japan, I, as the developer of the tool, wanted to make sure that my tool can be helpful for all children with ASD over the world. Thus, I was planning to have the tool validated in Germany by collaborating with German PI. However, due to the ethical issues and concerns, I went to visit my German PI after having MAT-PA developed and validated in Japan. We had meetings to talk about the possibility and feasibility of future collaboration of MAT-PA, for example, we could have the cross-cultural validation in Germany after my tool (which is under review in the Journal of autism and developmental disorders) being accepted. In addition, I was in a stage looking for post-doctoral fellowships and wanted to expand my network.

Achievements and Outcomes of ECRs’ Stay

Feedbacks on MAT-PA and having a basic understanding of research environment, the sports and inclusion, special education at the Württemberg State

Dr. Florian Pochstein gave some comments on my tool (MAT-PA) and lent me a book which describes a tool looks similar with mine during my stay. Other than the tool, he shared his personal academic life with me, so I got the picture being a researcher in Germany. He also took me to a forum for sports and inclusion held by the Württemberg State sports association, so I got to get learn about the sports and inclusion at one of the wealthiest states in Germany. Even though its wealthy there but the policy makers sounded like a bit conservative. However, conservative as it is, the whole society (western culture reinforces individualism) has better acceptance and tolerance towards disability compared with it in Japan (non-western culture reinforces collectivism).

Outlook for the Project

As I mentioned in the part describing my motivation, we might have the future collaboration on the cross-cultural validation of my tool (MAT-PA) in Germany. It was pity that my stay was very short, and it was around spring break, could not meet a lot of other researchers or students during my stay. Even though it might not happen soon, I am thinking that I could go as a long-term visiting scholar to get a deeper understanding of how human rights, disability sports, special education has been developed in Germany.