Education Commons^™

Strategies For Teaching Based On Autism Research (Star Program) Curriculum Review And Implementation, Cassidy Harrington

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming more prevalent in school systems. Researchers began tracking the prevalence of ASD in the year 2000. It is estimated that 1 in 68 children have ASD in the United States of America (1 in 42 prevalence for boys and 1 in 189 prevalence for girls) (Landa, 2018). Medically a child can be diagnosed with ASD but school systems themselves are not able to formally diagnose ASD in children. (ECTA, 2012). ASD can be hard to diagnose as some cases are more severe than others and the earlier that a child is found to have …

Teaching A Communication Protocol Via Graduated Guidance On The Ipad To Assist In Functional Communication Training For Nonverbal Children With Asd, Janelle Saunders

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Non-verbal children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often struggle with functional communication, and are often not able to express their wants, needs, emotions, or engage in meaningful conversations (Hudry et al., 2010; Luyster et al., 2008; Weismer et al., 2010). Picture exchange systems as well as AAC devices (e.g., the iPad) have emerged as viable options to teach this population how to communicate effectively (Charlop-Christy et al., 2002; Couper et al., 2014; Dogoe et al., 2010; Ganz et al., 2015; Greenberg et al., 2012; Logan et al., 2017). PECS has been widely established as an evidence-based practice and is often …

Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies For Children Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jasmin Williams

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The number of school-aged children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing over the past decades. As the students enter the education system, school districts and educators face challenges in meeting the academic needs of students with ASD. A 2014 report by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized that although ASD varies significantly in severity, it occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and is almost five times more common among boys than girls. Thus, contemporary education professionals in all schools are likely to work with students with ASD (CDC, 2014). Teachers in …

Characteristics Of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Supporting Increased Eye Contact, Caitlyn Cherry

Senior Honors Theses

One of the most beautiful realities is the fact that no two people on this earth are exactly the same. Everyone has their own unique fingerprint, experiences, personality, strengths, and weaknesses. For people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the same concept applies. Each case is different because each child is different. While this is inherently true, research shows that many people with ASD struggle with the same or similar social skills, with lack of eye contact being a prevalent issue. This social deficit will inherently affect individual’s ability to read social cues, regulate real world interactions, make connections, build intimate relationships …

A Systematic Review Of Firsthand Experiences And Supports For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Higher Education, Mariya T. Davis, Gavin W. Watts, Eric J. López

Special Education Faculty Publications

As students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasingly enrolling at institutions of higher education, their new experiences and offered supports impact their success in this realm. The current review extends previous syntheses of literature related to support systems for students with ASD in higher education, as well as their first-hand experiences.

Using Theatre To Teach Social Skills To Students On The Autism Spectrum, Meaghan Nicole Ritchie

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Theatre-based interventions are an emerging field to improve social skills in individuals with autism. This study analyzed 10 different articles using theatre-based interventions, combined with evidence-based practices, to increase social skills deficits in students, ages 8-17, diagnosed with autism. Results indicate improvement in social skills for individuals with autism after participating in theatre-based interventions.

Insights And Strategies To Support Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Post-Secondary Contexts: A Canadian Perspective, Janice M. Fennell, Phd, Suzyo Sc Bavi, Janice M. Galloway

Strategies to Support Students with Autism

The number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering post-secondary institutions is increasing, but students with ASD are struggling more than their typically developing peers, with high rates of mental health challenges and a lower graduation rate. This study’s purpose is to understand the learning needs/experiences of students who identify as being an individual with, or having a formal diagnosis of ASD, while highlighting perspectives of f aculty members and students from Sheridan College. Our research finds that the learning experiences of students with ASD at Sheridan are impacted by: (a) Environmental stressors, (b) Gaps in transitioning from high …

The Efficacy Of Art And Movement Treatment Modalities On An Individual With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tristen Valentino

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Current statistics report 1 in 54 children have been identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), many of whom have co-occurring mental health disorders. However, minimal research has been conducted on adults with autism with co-occurring mental health disorders and the efficacy of art and movement therapy techniques. This is the case study by Tristen Valentino, clinical therapist, of a client, David Smith (who was given the pseudonym to maintain confidentiality), a 35-year-old, obese, single, cisgender, heterosexual, Caucasian, male. The implications of this case study are discussed relative to the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ASD who possess comorbid clinical …

Using Eye Tracking To Explore Visual Attention In Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anne M.P. Michalek, Jonna Bobzien, Victor A. Lugo, Chung Hao Chen, Ann Bruhn, Michail Giannakos

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Video social stories are used to facilitate understanding of social situations for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored the use of eye tracking technology to understand how adolescents with and without ASD visually attend to video social story content and whether visual attention is related to content comprehension. Six adolescents, with and without ASD, viewed a video social story of visiting a dental office. Eye gaze metrics, including fixation duration and count, and visit duration were collected to measure visual attention, and a knowledge assessment was administered for comprehension. Results indicated adolescents with ASD fixated and maintained …

Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Immersive Virtual Reality For Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents Perceptions, Fahad Abdeen

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that affect the adoption of a spherical video virtual reality (SVVR) mobile application among parents of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used the diffusion of innovation theory by Rogers (2003) as a framework to explore parents’ perceptions of an SVVR transportation model designed to improve the quality of life of adults with ASD. In addition, the study sought to learn what might increase adoption of VR technology among other parents of individuals with ASD and what life skills that might be addressed using VR technology in the …

Odds Of Autism At 5 To 10 Years Of Age For Children Who Did Not Pass Their Aabr Newborn Hearing Screen, But Were Diagnosed With Normal Hearing, Shihfen Tu, Craig A. Mason, Deborah L. Rooks-Ellis, Patricia Lech

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Background: Research has found atypical Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) activity in some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The current study examined whether an association may also be found between ASD and pass/refer results obtained via Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR) screening. As stewards of large-scale AABR data, an AABR – ASD association may be of interest to EHDI programs.

Methods: State EHDI data for 29,350 children born in Maine between 2003 and 2005 were linked with education records, including special education status, for the 2010/2011 and 2013/2014 school years.

Results: Children who did not pass their …

Encapsulating Educational Design For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lauren Praeuner

Honors Theses

This paper is a thesis/creative project hybrid split into two parts. First, it examines different aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the symptoms experienced by those on the spectrum, and the guidelines that parents, medical professionals, and educators should follow to ensure a holistic approach to the care and education of children with autism. The text also notes some of the considerations that designers should review when designing educational facilities for these individuals, as well as few precedents that successfully do so. The second part of the paper presents my team’s architectural studio project, contributed to by UNL students Lindsay …

Introduction To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kristen Dumoulin

Open Educational Resources

This presentation provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with a focus on definitions, statistics, diagnosis, causes and characteristics.

The Unique Characteristics Of Trauma In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jana Laine Jonasen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown characteristics of individuals with ASD that have been exposed to trauma are difficult to determine. With more of trauma at an early age and the overshadowing of characteristics between trauma and ASD it will be difficult to determine where an individual is demonstrates ASD characteristics or PTSD characteristics. Evidence suggests that individuals with ASD are at an increased risk of exposure to trauma due to their social communication deficits and emotional control. Evidence shows that individuals with ASD experience substantially more trauma or traumatic childhood experiences which may contribute to greater chances of physical and mental trauma. …

A Review Of The Evidence Supporting Play-Based Learning For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Josh Wilson

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become more prevalent through more diagnosis, with about 1 in 54 being diagnosed with ASD (Center for Disease Control, 2016). With more children being diagnosed with ASD, more services are needed. Adapted Physical Education (APE) is a direct service provided for children with disabilities, and APE teachers should use proven methods to effectively and efficiently assist these children in their area of need. Play-based learning has proven to help improve many social, communication, social skill engagement and play behaviors in children with ASD so play-based learning should be utilized more within the context of APE …

Autism Spectrum Disorders And Positive Familial Effects, Genevieve Weaver

Senior Honors Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been found to significantly impact familial structures and outcomes in various studies. The majority of the impact, however, has been primarily negative; effects like increased stress, marital discontentment, and stigmatization are commonly expressed by families. In this study data from a questionnaire, interview, and picture presentations were analyzed and triangulated to identify the positive familial effects of having a child or sibling with ASD. Parents and siblings shared that having a child or sibling with ASD has bettered their life through learning to enjoy the identity of the individual with ASD, through personal growth, and …

The Influence Of Music On The Autistic Brain, Ananda Arvig

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Scientific and qualitative research studies explain how different activities can affect and impact the brain. Researchers look at brain and wave activity to help determine ways music can be used as a therapeutic and beneficial teaching technique. The information based on these studies shows emotional and physiological changes in human behavior, activity, and development. This thesis discusses how research tools and evidence-based research observes and measures ways music affects autistic and non-autistic brains. Brain research supports how music specifically impacts people with autism and explores diverse ways to incorporate music in educational settings.

Social Skills Interventions For Secondary Students With Asd, Pauli Brandt

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Social skills instruction (SSI) is an area of high need for students with Autism-Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The SSI of secondary-aged ASD students is unique given that the law mandates transition (after high school) goals in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) at the age of 14 in Minnesota, and specialized services end upon graduation. For students to meet their goals and to be prepared for the end of services, SSI needs to incorporate skills and develop abilities that will be necessary in daily activities after graduation. Six areas of application were identified: address transition needs early, to include employment skills, to …

Identification And Treatment Of Anxiety In Students Receiving Special Education Services: A Review Of The Literature, Analee Therese Francisco

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety affects school achievement and is common in nearly every disability category treated by Special Education programs. This review of literature summarizes existing research on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in students in varying disability categories, looks at the evidence of anxiety manifestations and its effects on the classroom and reports on treatments used in the school environment. Some conclusions are made about productive interventions for anxiety disorders based on past research. Although not all studies pertain specifically to special education students it is recognized that some of the information regarding anxiety as it applies to the general population is …

Virtual Reality Technology-Enabled Educational Approaches For Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Randolph S. Hull

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This literature review examines research studies that evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) simulated interventions in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including their enjoyment of the process and their ability to transfer VR learning to real-life situations. VR provides a safe and controllable environment that implements realistic computer-based simulated interactions that allow for repeated skill practice and gives participants the ability to progress at their own pace. Most of the research reviewed focused on improving specific deficit areas for those with ASD. Virtual reality interventions were used to increase social and emotional skills involving areas such as: social …

Comparison Of Evidence-Based Practices For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Melissa Bittner, Mariya T. Davis

Special Education Faculty Publications

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA, 2015) reinforces and clearly defines the requirement of school districts to use evidence-based practices (EBPs) to improve student outcomes. The ESSA requires schools to find, evaluate, and implement effective EBPs that support high-quality learning for all students, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is necessary for teachers to use identified EBPs when developing individualized education programs and providing necessary interventions for students with ASD. The purpose of this article is to: (a) examine EBPs determined by two national organizations (i.e., National Professional Development Center, National Standards Project Phase 2), (b) compare overlapping …

The Effectiveness Of Using Video Modeling Techniques To Improve Motor Skills For Preschool Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Atya Abdullah Hadadi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Beside the main syndromes of socialization and communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, they also have impairments in motor skills, such as ball skills (catching and throwing) and postural stability (standing and walking balance). The main objective of this dissertation is to improve motor skills for preschooler children with ASD through use of video-modeling techniques. A secondary objective of this research was to find a correlation between the development and improvement of ball skills and balance tasks. Twenty-six children with ASD were divided into two groups. Twenty-six children with ASD from 3-5 years old participated in two groups: one …

What Makes A House A Home? Supported Living Environments For Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Rose Meadows

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

My research aims to address how supported living environments for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) can best support their stakeholders. This is an inherently human and personal problem, but existing research tackling this problem utilizing a person-centric and/or resiliency theory lens or framework is lacking. My research will use the perspective of parents/guardians and staff/caregivers in combination with existing knowledge and research to create ideas for how to maximize support in supported living environments for adults with ASD and their families. This is a qualitative study that uses a humanized approach and in-person interviews with stake-holders to highlight their …

Advocating For Students With Autism: How To Best Engage And Equip Your Student With Autism To Excel In The Music Classroom, Mackenzie C. Kastelein

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

Within the educational system, students with autism are often misunderstood or overlooked, resulting in an inadequate educational experience for students with ASD. This research was conducted in pursuit of collecting information on students with autism so that current music educators might be better equipped to engage these students effectively within their classroom. Six, current music educators were interviewed with a series of 9 questions in order to gather a small sample of what is currently occurring in American school systems when it comes to the music education of students with Autism. These educators discussed what inclusion of students with ASD …

Using Video Modeling To Teach Vocational Skills To Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Karl Schoenherr

Dissertations

This study evaluated the effectiveness of video self-modeling as a method for teaching two young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) how to perform job-related skills in a vocational setting. Prior to intervention, videos were recorded of the participants as they performed single steps of novel tasks at their jobsites. The researcher created video self-models by combining and editing the recordings of the single tasks into a video that depicted the participants performing all the steps of the task in succession. The videos included written instructions and voiceovers of the instructions. The videos were uploaded to Box, an app that …

The Benefits Of Unstructured Time For Students With Special Education Needs, Maggie P. Jensen/Kregness

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research was completed with the goal of contributing to the discussion of unstructured time in the school day. Specifically, it looked at the question; what are the benefits of unstructured time for students with special education needs? A literature review was completed, where data from different studies across the US and similar countries (Canada, UK) was compared for similarities and discrepancies. Additionally, the search was narrowed to students receiving special education services under the categories of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Other Health Disabilities (OHD). Based on the data compiled, it was concluded that for students with these needs, …

Elevated Anxiety In Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder And The Implications Of Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapies As An Effective Treatment Plan, Nichole L. Olsen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As educators, we have seen Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), anxiety levels, mental health issues, and explosive behaviors rise in the general education population as well as the special education population in the last five years. The need for effective research based treatment plans is a very high demand in order to best serve our rising ASD population with comorbid anxiety in the school setting. There is building evidence in research that supports positive outcomes when using Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) for adolescents with ASD comorbid with anxiety who have some emotion recognition abilities as well as age appropriate intellectual and …

The Impact Of An Exercise Intervention On Stereotypical Behaviors In A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder., Kirsten Nouzovsky

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of an exercise intervention in reducing stereotypical behaviors in a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A single subject A-B-A-B design with a repeating baseline was used for this investigation. The research design will be implemented to determine if an exercise program (i.e., cycling) impact the frequency of stereotypical behaviors demonstrated by a child with ASD. Results indicate that an exercise intervention has the potential to decrease stereotypical behaviors in a child with ASD. While stereotypical behaviors have always been shown to decrease immediately after physical exercise-based interventions (Kern et …

Hobby Preferences And Physical Activity Participation Among Children With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder, Scott M. Russell

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

BACKGROUND: Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit low physical activity levels and are at an increased risk for health problems related to sedentary behaviors. Hobby preferences have been shown to influence physical activity participation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the hobby preferences of children with ASD and determine if there are differences depending on the children’s physical activity level and the nature of their preferred activities. A secondary purpose is to describe the hobby preferences of children with ASD. METHODS: Participants include 98 nine-year-old children (with and without ASD) from the National Growing up …

What Makes That Autistic Student Tick? Strategies For Classroom Behaviors, Amanda Puleo

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Inclusion of autistic students in mainstream classrooms may make it difficult for teachers to identify and proactively address disruptive behaviors. That is, mainstream teachers may not know how to respond to these specific behaviors and their standard classroom management techniques may not work with autistic students. It will take commitment and hard work to identify strategies to regulate the disruptive behaviors of students with autism. To address this issue, the perspectives of directors and teachers who specialize in autism, as well as mainstream public or private school teachers were obtained through interviews. Three options for action emerged from an analysis …