Digital Commons Network^™

The Congruence Of Parent-Teacher Relationships For Students With Autism: The Role Of Teacher Efficacy And School Climate, Morgan Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Ecological Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) can be used as a framework to examine the importance of communication and collaboration among parents and teachers as both are important stakeholders in the field of education. Parent-teacher relationships are critical for autistic students particularly due to individualized education plans and the provision of special education services (IDEA, 2004). The current study examined relationships between parent-teacher dyads in terms of congruence, the degree to which both parties are in agreement about their relationship. This study was unique in its mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative data, as well as its use of dyadic …

Identity-First Vs. Person-First Language: Preferences And Impact Of Use, Amanda Taboas

Theses and Dissertations

Language used when referring to individuals with disabilities has changed over time as a result of advocacy and a search for equality and humanization. Beginning in the 1970s, there was a shift to the use of person-first language (PFL; e.g., person with autism) to reduce stigma, while simultaneously promoting equal human rights standards and opportunities for those with disabilities (Bury et al., 2020; Vivanti, 2020). PFL has been commonly used in many professional settings, but more recently this practice has received criticism from self-advocates and scholars who believe that identity-defining features, such as autism, cannot be separated from the individual. …

Joint Attention And Imitation: How Early Social Skills Relate To Language, Social Behavior, And Overall Responsiveness To Early Intervention In Children With Autism, Claire E. Karlen

Theses and Dissertations

Joint attention, the ability to coordinate one’s attention with that of another person (Dawson et al., 2004), and imitation, the ability to copy another person’s behavior (Sevlever & Gillis, 2010), are two of the initial methods by which children learn from and interact with the world around them (Trevarthan, 1979). These two skills are related to the development of language, social skills, and play. Further, they seem to come naturally in typically developing children. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, these skills are often delayed or entirely absent, thereby potentially leading to significant impediments in the acquisition of …

Computer-Mediated Communication Usage And Perceptions Amongst Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Laura A. Massier

Theses and Dissertations

This was a mixed methods study designed to examine the perceptions of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) regarding usage of computer-mediated communication (CMC), with a focus on benefits, challenges, and support needs. People with ASD are often prone to social and communication difficulties, making it difficult for them to maintain relationships, find and retain employment, and be active members of their communities. Deficits in these areas are particularly hard for young adults who may no longer have regular routines or opportunities for socializing because they have transitioned out of school-based activities. CMC is a relatively new form of …

High School General Education Teachers' Perception Of Iep Accommodations For Students With Asperger Syndrome, Mary Patricia Krones

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative design study was to better understand the experiences of high school general education English teachers who have students with Asperger Syndrome in their classes. More specifically, this researcher wanted to better understand the teacher's perception of the IEP-denoted accommodations the general education teachers are responsible for implementing. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, journal entries and collection of artifacts. Findings of this study include: the IEP document and IEP process from the lens of the general education teacher do not provide adequate information when considering the unique needs of students with Asperger Syndrome; …

Stakeholder Perspectives Of The Effectiveness Of Augmentative And Alternative Communication Techniques In Children With Autism, Daria Constantinescu

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to utilize focus groups and individual interviews to investigate the effectiveness and efficiency of augmentative and alternative (AAC) techniques in facilitating language in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as expressed by the opinions and attitudes of stakeholders involved in the process. ASD is a disorder that affects an individual's social and communication skills that usually surfaces within a child's first three years of life. There have been numerous studies conducted comparing different types of AAC intervention systems, but there is little information on stakeholders' opinions. The current study utilized one focus group interview …

A Qualitative Assessment Of Eating Behaviors In Adults With Autism, Samantha Barbier

Theses and Dissertations

Rationale: Diagnosis of autism has increased ten-fold in the last 40 years, and adults with autism remain an underrepresented population in research. Purpose: To qualitatively explore the relationship between eating behaviors and autism using a questionnaire and interviews with adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: Four males aged 22-27 were interviewed with their mothers present and completed the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders (SWEAA). Interviews were analyzed through the process of open coding, and the questionnaires were analyzed to determine consistent findings between the interview and the SWEAA questionnaire. Major Findings: Participants generally recognized hunger and satiety …

Imitation Skill Development In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Teacher-Directed Versus Child-Directed Tasks, Claire Elizabeth Karlen

Theses and Dissertations

Imitation, defined as a means by which individuals copy another person's behavior, serves as a natural method of learning for typically developing children (Sevlever & Gillis, 2010). For children with autism, imitation skills are often impaired, which may result in further social and language deficits (Ingersoll, 2008; Whiten & Brown, 1999). The current study directly examined the effectiveness of two imitation training interventions on the development of spontaneous imitation and expressive language skills in young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Results indicated that no one intervention proved equally effective across participants; however, both interventions positively impacted expressive language development, …

The Sprouts Early Childhood Program: An Evaluation Of Child Outcomes, Lauryn Michele Toby

Theses and Dissertations

This investigation examines the cognitive, adaptive, communicative, social and autism-related outcomes for those enrolled in an early childhood intervention program for children age three to five with autism spectrum disorders. First, relevant literature on autism spectrum disorders, early intervention, evidence-based practice, and published investigations of existing comprehensive treatment programs for young children with autism are reviewed, the current investigation is outlined, and results and implications are discussed.

Using developmental trajectory analyses to investigate changes in each child's trajectory over time, as well as by comparing changes in scores over time on standardized measures of communication, adaptive skills, cognitive skills, social …