Involving students with autism in social studies

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-71
Author(s):  
Linda Mauricio Reeves ◽  
Susan Santoli

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inform teachers of evidence-based practices designed to enhance the academic performance of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of general education social studies classes. Originality/value Despite the growing numbers of students with ASD which are included in general education classrooms, general education teachers consistently report concerns about their abilities to effectively instruct students with ASD. Social studies classes can be particularly challenging for students with ASD because of the reading, verbal communication, and inference skills which are part of the curriculum – all areas with which these students may struggle. While each student with ASD is different, there are some research-based strategies which have been found to work successfully for many of these students.

Author(s):  
Robyn Swanson

This chapter addresses the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) by special education practitioners in instruction and assessment while providing music educators guidance toward implementing these practices in instruction and assessment for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within universal design for learning (UDL) inclusive classrooms. Included are behavioral characteristics of students with ASD that music educators need be cognizant of in inclusive settings; federal education laws and policies that have provided students with disabilities rights to a quality education; and selected special education EBP and accommodations deemed as viable interventions for teaching and assessing PreK-12 standards-based music curriculum for students with ASD. Music educators may determine the PreK-12 music assessments aligned to appropriate EBP and accommodations for students with ASD are beneficial resources when designing and implementing curriculum, instruction, and assessment linked to the 2014 National Core Arts (Music) Standards (NCAS) with supporting Model Cornerstone Assessments (MCAs).


2021 ◽  
pp. 004005992110220
Author(s):  
Gretchen Scheibel ◽  
Zijie Ma ◽  
Jason C. Travers

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are likely to demonstrate social impairments that contribute to challenging behaviors and academic difficulties. As a result, the task of improving social communication skills is a critical component to any educational program for this population. Scripting provides an evidence-based and versatile option for improving social communication, yielding valuable results while requiring limited time and resource preparation from educators. In this article, we present step by step guidance to support practitioners in using scripting interventions. Considerations are discussed for adapting this intervention to meet the needs of students across the autism spectrum and links to resources for strengthening implementation and including other evidence-based practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-114
Author(s):  
Saeed Almalki

Many studies have been focused on video modeling and prompting as effective evidence-based practices to teach conversational skills to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, few studies have focused on teachers who implement video modeling and prompting in their classrooms. This article aims to describe the experiences and perceptions of four special education teachers who have used video modeling and prompting with four autistic students for a semester in their classrooms. The participants were asked questions related to three main areas: effectiveness, practicality, and acceptability. Most of the teachers did not regard this intervention as an effective and acceptable way to teach conversational skills to students with ASD. Training and support was requested by all teachers to enhance the practicality of this intervention. Other important implications for researchers and teachers were identified.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Barry ◽  
Jennifer Holloway ◽  
Stephen Gallagher ◽  
Jennifer McMahon

This study examined general education (GE) teachers use of EBPs, and the impact that teacher training, knowledge of EBPs, attitudes towards EBPs and barriers to EBPs have on teacher's use of EBPs.


Autism ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 136236132110167
Author(s):  
Jessica Suhrheinrich ◽  
Melina Melgarejo ◽  
Brittney Root ◽  
Gregory A Aarons ◽  
Lauren Brookman-Frazee

Research regarding variables influencing evidence-based practice implementation within school services for students with autism spectrum disorder is limited. Using qualitative methods, the current study applies the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment framework to characterize factors impacting the implementation of practices for students with autism spectrum disorder across urban and rural school districts. The guiding questions of the study include: (1) Are contextual factors perceived as barriers or facilitators, and do these perceptions vary by district location? and (2) What are the key factors impacting implementation across the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment phases? Focus group participants ( n = 33) were service providers to children with autism spectrum disorder from urban- and rural-located school districts. Several personnel-related themes (attitudes and buy-in, knowledge and skills, staffing, and burnout) were shared by participants representing both urban and rural districts. However, some themes related to system and organizational factors (leadership approval, support and expectations, district structure, competing priorities, time for effective professional development, litigation and due process, and materials and resources) differed between the district locations. This project serves as an initial step in understanding the current process of evidence-based practice implementation within the school context and may help identify intervention targets to include in implementation planning. Lay abstract The law requires that schools use evidence-based practices to educate students with autism spectrum disorder. However, these practices are often not used, or are not used correctly in school programs. Understanding barriers and facilitators of use of evidence-based practices in schools will help improve the implementation process. This study uses focus groups to characterize how school-based providers representing urban or rural school districts perceive barriers and facilitators for implementing new practices for students with autism spectrum disorder. Guiding questions include the following: (1) Are contextual factors perceived as barriers or facilitators and how do these vary by district location? and (2) What are the key factors impacting implementation across the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment phases? Focus group participants ( n = 33) were service providers to children with autism spectrum disorder from urban- and rural-located school districts. Several personnel-related themes (attitudes and buy-in, knowledge and skills, staffing, and burnout) were shared by participants representing both urban and rural districts. However, some personnel-related themes and organizational factors were unique to rural or urban districts. For example, themes related to system and organizational factors (leadership approval, support and expectations, district structure, competing priorities, time for effective professional development, litigation and due process, and materials and resources) differed between the district locations. This project serves as an initial step in identifying implementation strategies that may improve the use of evidence-based practices in schools.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorna Barry ◽  
Jennifer Holloway ◽  
Stephen Gallagher ◽  
Jennifer McMahon

This study examined general education (GE) teachers use of EBPs, and the impact that teacher training, knowledge of EBPs, attitudes towards EBPs and barriers to EBPs have on teacher's use of EBPs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-91
Author(s):  
Sakarneh Abed ◽  
Katanani Jameel ◽  
Alrahamneh Ahmad

Introduction. This study focuses on the relevance of inclusion for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the regular classroom. This issue has achieved international recognition with recommendations in most countries that students should be given the same opportunities as those without disabilities. The case of Jordanian teachers in Amman is selected in this study. Objectives. It specifically aims at investigating the teachers' perspectives on inclusion of students with ASD in Jordanian regular classrooms. Methods. The issue is evaluated using a qualitative study design where nine teachers were interviewed virtually. Results. The findings indicated the need for better training and skills development in specific aspects and needs of students with ASD. Providing teachers with training as well as materials and financial support is necessary for supporting inclusive learning. The teachers also report significant limitations in how inclusion of ASD students is supported in Jordan. The perspectives towards inclusion of ASD students in Jordan show that they have low confidence and self-esteem in dealing with these students and organizing inclusive classrooms due to inadequate training and experience. Conclusion. The findings of this study indicate the need for policymakers in Jordan to consider providing specific training to their general education teachers.


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