Education Commons^™

A Tier 2 Support For Online Learners: Implementing A Technology-Aided Check-In/Check-Out For High School Students With Autism, Patrick J. Mallory

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Online education is an increasingly popular format of schooling used around the world (Digital Learning Collaborative, 2019). For students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), challenges with executive functioning skills like self-management can have a significant impact on their ability to successfully participate in online learning. With a growing number of students with disabilities like ASD participating in online education, there is a need to explore support strategies that promote self-management in virtual environments that take into consideration the unique barriers of these students and their families. However, there is very limited research on providing behavioral support for students with ASD …

Letter-Sound Correspondence Intervention With Students With Asd, Sarah Hoemann

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate an intervention procedure to teach letter-sound correspondence for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Similar studies have been conducted; however, further research is needed. Purpose: Evaluation of this intervention to see improvement of letter-sound correspondence over five rounds of exposure to the intervention. Methodology: The research design was a single case study using a multiple baseline across participants. Baseline data were collected before intervention. The target population included three students aged 3-5 diagnosed with ASD who were previously enrolled in the Autism Clinic on campus. Materials included a laminated picture …

Strategies To Decrease Physical Aggression In Elementary Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Katie Majerus

Culminating Projects in Special Education

A growing number of individuals have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Students with autism spectrum disorder may exhibit a variety of physically aggressive and self-injurious behaviors that are problematic and difficult for caregivers and educators to manage. Due to these behaviors, educators and caregivers are facing burnout and exhaustion. The research shows that there are interventions that can help identify the function of the behaviors and are effective in reducing the physical aggression or self-injurious behaviors. The focus of this review is to identify therapeutic interventions that have a positive impact on elementary students with autism spectrum disorder who …

A Longitudinal Look: How Sleep Impacts Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Autism And Social Anxiety, Lindsay Jacalyn Regehr

Theses and Dissertations

Crucial research about suicidal thoughts and behaviors is often done in a cross-sectional manner that only considers limited risk factors. This research is limited in scope and rarely produces meaningful results to inform treatment. This study uses a longitudinal design to follow 93 participants over approximately 6 months. Participants are individuals with autism and social anxiety who were part of high-risk groups for suicidality, sleep problems, and social isolation. Participants recorded their sleep patterns and suicidal thoughts daily via the phone app MetricWire and continuously wore a GENEActiv actigraphy device to tract their objective sleep patterns. The Columbia Suicide Severity …

Occupational Therapists’ Role In Educating Caregivers On Pediatric Sensory Interventions Guided By Neurodiversity Principles, Deanna Bourgeois

Student Capstone Papers

Background: Neurodivergent children often experience differences in sensory processing and self-regulation. Traditional sensory-based interventions are frequently used by occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) and caregivers to address dysregulation. However, sensory-based interventions, while often strengths-based, are not always neurodiversity-affirming.

Problem: There are minimal educational resources available to both OTP and caregivers that promote neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions to support neurodivergent children.

Methods: The purpose of this project was to create self-paced educational modules to teach neurodiversity-affirming sensory interventions that promote children's self-regulation. To achieve this goal, the student investigator developed virtual educational modules and piloted them with OTP, occupational therapy …

Increasing Appropriate Communication And Reducing Aggressive Behaviors For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder By Using An Aac Device, Nicole Stromberg

Culminating Projects in Special Education

The review examines the use of Alternative and Augmentative Communication with student who have Autism Spectrum Disorders, the use of an AAC device, and reducing aggressive behaviors as it relates to use of AAC. In Chapter I, an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, AAC, and SGD was discussed. In Chapter II discusses research addressing augmentative and alternative communication devices in reducing disruptive and aggressive behaviors for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and implementing it with students that need to express wants and needs across different environments effectively. Chapter III, the findings from the analysis are summarized, and the implications of …

A Process Evaluation Of Post-Secondary Programs For High Functioning Students On The Autism Spectrum, Richard A. Spirito Jr.

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the post-secondary programs in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States are supporting the needs of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and preparing them for future independence.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is on the rise. In 2000, one in 150 children were identified with autism spectrum disorder. That number rose to one in every 44 children in the United States that have been identified with autism spectrum disorder in 2010.

As these students reach …

An Investigation Of Individualized Education Programs For Students With Autism, Jordan Findley

Theses and Dissertations--Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

Autism is one of the fastest growing educational disability groups (U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, 2021). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004) ensures all students have access to a free and appropriate public education. Individualized Education Programs (IEP) have been described as central to IDEIA (2004) and are the most common service received by children with autism (Berrcera et al., 2017; Yell et al., 2003). Despite the frequent use of the IEP in service provision for students with autism, there is relatively little research on the content and quality of IEPs for students …

Behavioral Skills Training For Reducing Challenging Behaviors In Students With Down Syndrome With Or Without Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jacqueline Tudor

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to improve the effectiveness of professional educators in using the methodology of functional behavior assessment (FBA) and function assessment-based intervention (FABI) to reduce challenging behaviors exhibited by students with Down syndrome (DS), or a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorder (DS-ASD). Educators often rely on traditional classroom management methods which curtail disruptive behaviors without determining the reason why the behavior is occurring. The study examined the effects of utilizing a behavioral skills training program of instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback in the methodology of FBA and FABI.

The research was conducted using …

Evaluating A Rapid Coaching Intervention That Includes Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Teaching A Parent Naturalistic Strategies, Lauren Reiss

Theses and Dissertations--Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education

Parents of young children with or at risk for disabilities face added stress and challenges every day. This study implemented a rapid coaching intervention to teach a parent naturalistic language interventions such as mapping language onto their child's play, narrating their own play, and arranging the environment. In addition, parents were trained to use a milieu teaching procedure. In addition, a pre-service behavior interventionist and speech-language pathologist collaborated on selecting instructional targets for the child.

Schumaker Acres Equine Assisted Learning Curriculum: Building Social Emotional Learning Skills For Autistic Individuals, Sara M. Trent

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Autistic students often receive educational services supporting the development of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills. SEL can also be taught effectively outside of the classroom through the use of animal assisted interventions. The purpose of this project was to develop an eight week SEL program utilizing Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) for Autistic individuals five to 21 years old. This curriculum offers a unique programming plan as it provides an SEL curriculum that is specifically designed for Autistic individuals.

The Effects Of Gonoodle Engagement On Mathematics Skills Of Middle School-Aged Students With Autism, Cheryl D. Barrett

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

THE EFFECTS OF GONOODLE ENGAGEMENT ON MATHEMATICS SKILLS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL-AGED STUDENTS WITH AUTISM

Abstract

By Cheryl D. Barrett

University of the Pacific

2023

Academic achievement of students with disabilities has long been a concern in special education, and this work addresses the academic achievement gap between students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their typically developing peers. This study aimed to increase mathematical achievement in fluency and calculation skills for students with ASD using GoNoodle. Additionally, this study intended to extend evidence about existing research on the efficacy of GoNoodle as an appropriate academic intervention tool for students with …

Evaluating The Effects Of Video Modeling And Visual Supports On Preschoolers’ Compliance With Dental Procedures, Karly L. Orsi-Cordova

Theses and Dissertations

Individuals with autism are reported to visit the dentist infrequently. Infrequent visits to the dentist may result in a higher occurrence of caries, and it is, therefore, imperative for children with autism to visit a pediatric dental practice routinely. Some basic behaviormanagement techniques, such as live modeling and reinforcement strategies, have been used with patients with autism. The addition of techniques derived from applied behavior analysis, such as video modeling and visual supports, may increase patients’ compliance with dental procedures. Specifically, the use of visual supports and video modeling warranted further investigation on the efficacy of improving behavior during dental …

Parent Satisfaction Of Daily Organized Physical Education For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cody Mills

Master's Theses

Daily structured physical education programming should be protected to support the achievement of goals set within an individual education plan (IEP) for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To ensure this is a priority, parent satisfaction is necessary to prioritize a healthy partnership between home and school. The objective of this research study is to identify the level of parent/guardian satisfaction in school-based and community-based daily organized physical education provided for children with autism. The research will determine if parents/guardians are wholly satisfied with the programming provided by their child’s school, or if greater satisfaction is attained when parents outsource …

Teaching Autistic Children To Independently Wash Their Hands: A Systematic Review Of Behavioral Techniques, Alexis Vazquez

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

With COVID 19 having changed the world’s perception on daily hygiene, people are aiming to improve the rate and efficacy of their hand washing. Autistic children, having a history of challenges with daily living skills, may need support when learning the skill of hand washing. The current review discusses interventions used to teach autistic children effective hand washing and investigates if those interventions meet criteria to be considered an evidence-based practice. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and data were synthesized narratively. Given the importance of hand washing in society, more research is necessary to achieve optimal outcomes. The review …

What Keeps Teachers Of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Teaching?, Kimberley Rodriguez

All NMU Master's Theses

Currently, staff shortages exist in all areas of education. In the field of special education, there are sub-groups of teachers and classrooms, each with unique challenges. This study explores the experiences of teachers of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disability in order to identify important retention factors specific to them. In this qualitative, phenomenological study, the researcher conducted four, one-on-one interviews to discover the district-related factors shared by teachers of students with ASD when considering staying or leaving their current position. Interview responses were categorized into the four themes critical to teacher retention according to the four capital theory …

A Study Of Dual-Language Preschoolers With Moderate To Severe Autism: Perspectives And Practices Of Professionals In Boston-Area Massachusetts School Districts, Susan Davison

Educational Studies Dissertations

Abstract

The rate of autism continues to increase globally across cultures and languages. Inequities exist in early access to an autism diagnosis and necessary evidence-based education and related services for dual-language children in the U.S. This qualitative dissertation study investigated the perspectives and practices of 10 educators and therapists working in the Boston area of Massachusetts with dual-language preschoolers with moderate to severe autism. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews on Zoom. Practitioners described their commitment to their students and families. Using a social constructivist phenomenological approach, the data analysis of the practitioners’ responses resulted in seven main findings. Assessment …

Perspectives Of Students With Asd And Their Parents: What Does It Truly Mean To Be Included?, Keara M. Browne

Theses and Dissertations

Though there are a number of practices identified by researchers and other professionals as inclusive, the question remains about whether the students themselves truly feel included. There has been limited research surrounding specific experiences in inclusive classrooms that students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) perceive to be facilitators and barriers to being included in general education and co-teaching settings. The purpose of this study was to inform educational policies and school practices surrounding the inclusion of students with ASD in general education and co-teaching settings by analyzing the perceptions of students with ASD and their parents to determine what it …

Effectiveness Of Music-Infused Aba Strategies On Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Josephine A. Sodano

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Given the nationwide increase in the diagnosis of autism, particularly in the pediatric population, there is obvious value in examining the effectiveness of intervention methods. This research sought to examine the effectiveness of a music-infused approach combined with Applied Behavioral Analysis methodology. The exploratory mixed method design pilot study examined and comprehended the narratives of special education early childhood teachers assigned and trained to deliver a music-infused intervention program within a natural self-contained Applied Behavioral Analysis program, five days a week, 20 minutes a day, for a duration of 6 weeks to a population of ten preschool students, ages 3-5, …

Auditory Brainstem Response In Autistic Children: Potential Implications For Sensory Processing, Madelyn Cate

Theses and Dissertations

Autistic people frequently experience sensory processing difficulties. For many on the autism spectrum, such difficulties can significantly impact important functions and quality of life. We are only beginning to understand the neural mechanisms of atypical sensory processing. However, one established way to measure certain levels of auditory processing is with auditory brainstem responses (ABR). While ABR has been primarily hypothesized in the current literature as a means of early detection/diagnosis in autism, additional research is needed to determine the ABR’s utility in examining sensory processing in this population. Thus, we evaluated ABR in 19 young children with autism during various …

The Behavioral And Neurophysiologic Relationships Between Sensory Processing And Autistic Traits In Emerging Adults, Savanah Calton

Theses and Dissertations

The majority of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience sensory processing difficulties that are also associated with greater presence of autistic traits, psychiatric difficulty, and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). These relationships are also expressed in the neurotypical (NT) population, termed the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP), and present with impacts to daily functioning/well-being just as prominently. However, little is known concerning the neurophysiologic nature of these behavioral relationships, especially in young adults. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine the behavioral and neurophysiologic nature of the relationships between sensory processing, autistic traits, and related behavioral functions …

The Impact Of Video Modeling On Middle School Students With Autism, Lisa Dudley

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

The purpose of this study was to show how video modeling can be used with middle school students on the autism spectrum. According to Gardner and Wolf (2018) video modeling is growing as a practice in the special education field and has been used to teach a wide variety of skills. The theoretical framework of positivism was used to collect data on how video modeling can be an effective intervention for teaching students daily routines. The program Links was used to help set up the routines and collect data during this study. The study was conducted with two students in …

Preparing Paraprofessionals To Be Effective In Physical Education, Chelsey Lieffring

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Students with autism often struggle in their physical education class due to the complex needs that arise in a gymnasium. When the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) program is implemented, students are engaged with their peers and are able to be successful in a challenging environment through visual schedules, physical structure, and task organization. It’s important that paraprofessionals and physical education teachers are aware of this programming in order to decrease challenging behaviors and increase student success in the physical education setting.

Paraprofessionals are such a vital part of the special education team. They are …

Autism: A Teacher's Guide, Kaitlyn Schaps

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Studies have shown that many educators are not prepared to teach children with ASD in their classrooms, as they may not be familiar with the characteristics of these children (Jiar Yeo & Teng, 2020) and do not have the knowledge needed to help them succeed.

In this guide, we discuss the different characteristics of ASD, how they affect a child’s education, how to collaborate with families, and research and evidence based (proven to be effective through research and quality studies) intervention strategies that will assist general education teachers, paraprofessionals, special education teachers, and any other professional in the educational field …

The Effect Of Constant Time Delay And Sentence Frames On Correct Word Selection For Sentences Constructed Using Technology-Aided Instruction During A Story-Based Lesson, Thai Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an intervention package that included constant time delay (CTD) and sentence frames on correct word selection for sentences constructed using technology-aided instruction (TAI) during and following a story-based lesson (SBL) for participants ages 6-8 who have intellectual disability, developmental delays, and autism (IDD). A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention. Probes were conducted during baseline, intervention, generalization, and maintenance phases to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on correct word selection for sentence construction. Results indicate a functional relation between the …

Increasing Independence In Students With Disabilities Through The Use Of Visual Activity Schedules Within The General Education Classroom, Natalie Stevens

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Individuals with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often require more prompts and specialized instruction than their peers in the school setting. These individuals often benefit from using Visual Activity Schedules (VAS) to learn to complete routines and increase independence while decreasing the needs for adult help and prompts. This study uses VAS plus prompting to increase independence in three children with ASD within the general education elementary classroom. During the study, VAS were introduced and paired with specific prompts aimed to help students become more independent at completing a given routine throughout their school day. Results from the …

Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Adulthood: The Often Overlooked Subdivision Of Individuals In The Autism Community, Kayla L. Piacquadio

Honors Student Research

Awareness surrounding the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder and Asperger syndrome has become much more widespread in recent times. Children are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum more than ever. However, the key here is the word “children.” We focus on the behavior, development, and well-being of our children for good reason.

While the oversaturated focus on children is entirely justified, this focus overshadows a minority within the autism community that deserves the same attention and recognition. This minority group consists of the adults who have gone years without a formal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or Asperger …

Run, Hide, Or Fight?: Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Lockdown Drills, Melissa A. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations

Lockdown drills have become a regular practice in schools across the United States. These drills are currently carried out with little guidance and encompass a general plan with no differentiation for children with disabilities. This is concerning for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), since the skills needed to participate in a lockdown drill may be difficult for them. In the absence of evidence-based interventions, these children and the educators who support them are vulnerable in the event of a real emergency. It is important to understand what training practitioners need to design empirically sound lockdown drill interventions and …

Autism To Higher Education: Tools For Parents, Amber L. Jordan, Shannon Emery

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

Over the years, a marked increase in the number of students with High Functioning Autism (HFA) attending colleges and universities has occurred. This can be attributed to: (a) the passage of legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA); (b) revisions to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM); and (c) early intervention and treatment (Pillay, 2012). Although the increase in enrollment may be an indicator that a more welcoming climate for individuals with HFA has been created, many institutions are not adequately prepared to accommodate these students and parents have …

Exploring How Scripts, Drama, Art, And Sensory Stimulation Can Contribute To Autistic Students’ Reading Comprehension And Enjoyment Of Fiction Text, Kathleen Melville

Theses and Dissertations

The focus in this exploratory multiple case study was to examine the reading comprehension and enjoyment of four male, English-speaking teenage students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during a 12-week Story Club series. Parents’ perceptions of their teenager’s reading comprehension were also considered. Story Club involved modifying a young adult novel into a script format after which students embodied character roles and engaged in rehearsals and performances. Furthermore, students designed artwork and theater props, received social-emotional instruction from a drama therapist, and were exposed to sensory experiences, all of which were aligned with literary events from the story. Because interventions …