Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Late To The Game: A Phenomenological Study Of The Educational Experiences Of Females With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tammara Clevenger

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the K-12 educational experiences of females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s social cognitive theory, as it states that people are the operators of their lives, and not passive entities within their environment. However, individuals with ASD often have difficulties with social communication, communication interaction, and restricted, repetitive behaviors, which impact their ability to regulate themselves in various environments. The study used transcendental phenomenology to understand the K-12 educational experiences of females with ASD. A total of 10 participants were used. The participants and their …

Underserved And Underrecognized: Elevating Teaching Strategies, Special Education Eligibility, And Educational Outcomes For Grade 2-6 Girls On The Autism Spectrum, Jessica T. Ford

Doctorate in Education

This study involved a qualitative exploratory case study research design and employed in-depth online interviews as the primary data collection method. Participants were former or current special education teachers in Minnesota who had worked with Grade 2-6 girls on the autism spectrum and were sourced from professional networks, educational associations, online platforms, chain sampling, and snowball sampling. This study sought to elucidate the reasons behind the underidentification of girls eligible for autism spectrum special education services, streamline their qualification process, reveal practical educational strategies for academic, emotional, and social support, and furnish accessible resources and training alternatives for classroom teachers …

Parent Perspectives Of Inclusion For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Phenomenological Study, Rebecca A. Mack

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the experiences with inclusion for parents of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and combined intellectual impairment in elementary schools in the United States. The theory guiding this study is Bandura’s theory on social cognitive learning as it applies to students with disabilities learning from observing their peers without disabilities. This study design was a transcendental phenomenological qualitative design to explore multiple parents’ unique experiences with the same phenomenon—inclusion for their child with ASD. Participants were chosen using criterion and snowball sampling from social media groups and live across the …

Interventions Based On Mindfulness For Socio-Emotional Skill Building In Children On The Autism Spectrum: A Systematic Review, Nethnie Thilakna Nandadasa

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Children on the autism spectrum are characterized by deficits in socioemotional skills. Previous research suggests that mindfulness is effective in improving social, emotional, and behavioural skills in a wide variety of populations. This review systematically investigated the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in improving social, emotional, and behavioural functioning in children on the autism spectrum (0-12 years of age). Furthermore, the current review discussed adaptations to traditional MBIs when implemented to children on the autism spectrum. MBIs as a potential evidence-based practice for the target population was also investigated. Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Results indicated that MBIs led to …

Promoting Skills In Children And Teens With Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Play And Steam, Meaghan Mcleod Mozingo, Krzysztof J. Rechowicz

Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Student Capstone Conference

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a low employment rate. This is caused by a lack of support from employment resources and the negative stigma associated with common characteristics associated with ASD. With limited career-building activities and events, it is difficult for individuals with ASD to identify their skills, strengths, and career opportunities. Parental support is crucial when seeking employment opportunities for their children. Through the use of play, children with ASD engaged and explored their skills with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math-centered activities. This paper highlights the events and shows the proposed redesign for an additional workshop.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Gap Between Specialized And General School Systems, Alexis Ketterman

Senior Capstone Papers

Functionality, communication, socialization, and the ability to have some degree of independence are common attributes that many may not take the time to consider. However, for individuals who are autistic, these attributes are critical to forming secure relationships and successfully adapting across the lifespan. The two primary care systems paramount in supporting and nurturing social competence for children include general and specialized school systems. General school systems may not always have a well-developed understanding or awareness around a particular diagnosis or developmental disability; however, they may have a holistic special education program. Specialized schools often have access to trained professionals …

General Education K-6 Pre-Service Teacher Candidates: Art Strategies Toolkit For Teaching Students With Autism In The General Classroom Setting, Kelly Jean Sullivan

Graduate Student Dissertations, Theses, Capstones, and Portfolios

This dissertation looked at the gap in pre-service general education teacher training in EBP for students with Autism and the effect the creative art learning mindfulness instructional toolkit (calmit19) intervention has on teacher self-efficacy when working with students with Autism.

Currently there is GAP, in the coursework that general education k-6 pre-service teacher candidates are getting trained in in order to teach students with autism in the general classroom setting. This action research study findings were that there is a need for additional training methods for pre service k-6 teacher candidates in art based evidence-based strategies.

The unanswered question is …

Increasing The Duration Of Treadmill Walking To Reach Moderate Intensity Levels For 2 Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Nicholas Velazquez

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study aims to increase the duration of treadmill walking to reach moderate intensity levels for 2 students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researcher incorporated a token-economy board that was used to indicate total time walking and walking goals. A single case changing-criterion design was used in this study and consisted of a baseline, multiple sub-criteria intervention phase, and a follow-up phase. Results showed that there was a positive relationship between the intervention and the total walking time for each participant. Each participant met the criterion for each phase, eventually leading to meeting their overall goal for the study. …

Impact Of Self Determination Theory Amongst Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Physical Activity: Modifying A Survey, Ruben Guillermo Diaz

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Prior research has expressed concern for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may be at risk regarding exercise and physical activity due to lack of interest, delays in motor skill development, and/or social impairment. Self Determination theory (SDT) has been suggested as an effective approach for supporting individuals with ASD across a variety of domains. SDT expresses that with the satisfaction of three fundamental psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), higher levels of intrinsic motivation will develop which will lead to enhanced development and well-being. While SDT is an effective approach to promoting motivation, it has been suggested that …

The Transition Into Higher Education For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Tj Estabrook

Masters Theses

There are more students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in higher education now than ever before and these students need to be supported in ways that will guarantee their success. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of six students with ASD as they transition into higher education through the use of semi-structured interviews. What was discovered is that students with ASD typically overestimate the difficulty of academics and underestimate the amount of social interaction they will encounter at the college level. These students are able to identify aspects of themselves that help them to succeed …

Disability Label And Least Restrictive Environments: General Elementary Education Teachers’ Experiences And Perceptions, Sara Sheffler

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

The least restrictive environment (LRE) is the educational placement determined necessary for obtaining maximum educational benefits. The individualized education program (IEP) team determines the LRE after analyzing the student’s academic and behavioral data and assessing the student’s unique needs. Specific special educational labels may produce a higher-than-normal frequency of more restrictive environment decisions by the IEP team. The current study surveyed general education elementary teachers about LRE placements of a hypothetical student with either autism spectrum disorder or emotional and behavioral disorders. Teachers were provided with a hypothetical vignette of a student engaging in challenging behavior, followed by hypothetical data …

The Impact Of Antecedent Physical Exercises On Increasing On-Task Behaviors And Decreasing Restricted And Repetitive Behaviors In Elementary Students With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder In Saudi Arabia, Shadi Albadawi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Physical exercises (PEs) are one of the most used approaches by researchers to treat restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and enhance on-task behaviors in students with high-functioning Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although PEs is recognized as Evidence-based Practices (EBPs) for students with ASD in the United States of America (USA) that are based on moderate evidence, it is important to conduct more empirical studies to explore its effects on individuals with ASD from different populations in the KSA. The current study used a single-subject, multiple baseline design across subjects to examine the effect of antecedent structured physical exercises (teaching soccer …

Technology-Based Self-Management Of Initiations For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder And Low Communication Who Participate In An Alternate Assessment, Amelia Fuqua

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Self-management as a behavioral intervention has been used with students who have autism spectrum disorder for a variety of behavioral targets, including communication. Research has been conducted on self-management of communication initiations for students who have autism spectrum disorder in primary grades through high school. The process of self-management includes monitoring one’s own behavior to change that behavior. Currently, there are no studies using technology with self-management for the initiations of students with autism spectrum disorder and low communication who also participate in an alternate assessment. The purpose of this study was a systematic replication of Newman and Ten Eyck …

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 …

Dir Floortime Therapy, Rebecca C. Matheson

LC Journal of Special Education

DIR Floortime Therapy is a social pragmatic approach used to help children with autism develop stronger verbal and social skills. Dr. Stanley Greenspan determined there were six milestones all children must master in order to develop appropriate language and social skills. DIR Floortime Therapy engages with the child through play in order to create a naturalistic environment that helps children achieve these milestones. While the approach is not evidence based, several studies have been conducted using DIR Floortime Therapy to strengthen language and social skills in young children with autism. The majority of these studies found a greater increase in …

Sibling-Mediated Interventions For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Jacqueline Lubin

LC Journal of Special Education

Siblings spend a significant proportion of the day with siblings with autism than do their typically developing peers. Therefore, sibling-mediated interventions should be a major part of the repertoire of interventions used to aid children with autism develop social skills. Bass and Mulick (2007) explained that using siblings as social intervention agents have several benefits, including constant practice opportunities in the natural setting, parental support and the increased probability of generalization of social skills learned. Therefore, this paper will examine validated sibling-mediated interventions and discuss their effectiveness in enhancing social competence in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Effects Of Journaling To Decrease Repetitive Questioning Of Individuals With High-Functioning Autism, Annette D. Atwater

LC Journal of Special Education

One of the characteristics that can stigmatize and isolate an individual with ASD is restricted interests and the often associated repetitive questioning within those interests. Educational best practice utilizes restricted interests in strategies for socialization and transitions by incorporating the restrictive interest into the activity (Boyd, Alter, & Conroy, 2005), but repetitive questioning tends to be a strain on social interaction in school and home environments (Eaves & Ho, 2008; Lounds, Seltzer, Greenberg, & Shattuck, 2007; Seltzer, Krauss, Orsmond, & Vestal, 2001). Unfortunately, there has been relatively little research conducted in the area of treating restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) …

Strategies For Teachers To Use When Regulating Aggressive Student Behavior Related To Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kailey Dold

Culminating Projects in Special Education

Abstract not required.

Literature Review Utilizing Handheld Devices In The Education Of Students With Special Needs, Edward A. Hoisington

LC Journal of Special Education

In recent years, technology has had a greater influence in the treatments and interventions of students with ASD. The purpose of this paper is to examine the literature with regards to the use of a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other handheld devices with student diagnosed with ASD. A PDA is “a handheld computer that mainly serves as a personal information organizer,” it allows the user to input data through “an on-screen keyboard or handwriting recognition program using a stylus” (Ferguson, Myles, & Hagiwara, 2005, p. 60). PDAs and other handheld devices In recent years, technology has had a greater …

Video Modeling: An Effective, Evidence-Based Practice For Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Selina Field

LC Journal of Special Education

Video modeling is a promising behavioral intervention that has myriad applications for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Video modeling uses visual cues, an effective strategy for instructing students with ASD, who are often visual learners, and modeling, an evidence-based strategy that is effective across ages and populations. Over the past three decades, research has demonstrated that video modeling can be a valuable tool for instructing children with ASD in a variety of skills, and that once a skill is learned through this process, it is maintained over time and generalized across settings. Recent research qualifies video modeling as an …

Effectiveness Of The Social Behavior Mapping Intervention On The Social Communication Skills Of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jessica Ann Donaldson

Special Education ETDs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Social Thinking® Social Behavior Mapping (SBM) on adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. A pretest-posttest control group design with matched sampling was used. There were 22 participants between the ages of 13 and 17 who were matched by age and IQ and then were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or to a treatment-as-usual group. Results revealed that participants made significant improvements on the SBM rating scale scores and participant-reported scores on the Social Skills subscale of the Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS; Elliott & Gresham, 2008) Rating Scales. …

Growing Independence Through The Use Of Structured Work Systems, Skye Nicolls

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities struggle to manage daily activities and routines with independence. They often rely on adult prompts and cues, even when a skill has been previously mastered. This action research study aimed to determine the effects of structured work systems (SWS) in the inclusive pre-k classroom on the overall independence of students with ASD or related disabilities. TEACCH modeled structured work systems were implemented with four preschool students a minimum of twice daily. Three areas were observed for the purpose of this research: (1) student completion of the structured work system; (2) …

The Effectiveness Of Augmented Virtual Reality Applications On Developing Non-Verbal Social Communication For Pre-School Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In The State Of Qatar, Mohamed S. Hamid, Maiada Saad Al-Namroti, Fatima Mubarak Al-Sulaiti, Garfh Salim Alhader

International Journal for Research in Education

The current research aimed to design simple application software based on augmented reality (AR) technology, which may contribute to the development of some of the non-verbal communication skills in a sample of 20 children with an autism spectrum disorder, aged between 5 and six years in the state of Qatar. The study used a questionnaire to measure the current non-verbal social skills designed by researchers, in addition to developing some AR applications on tablets. The study followed a quasi-experimental approach based on one experimental group with a pre-and-post design. Some non-parametric statistical methods were used. The proposed application is expected …

Using The Visual Activity Schedule To Improve Self-Regulation Skills For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Atef Abdalla Bahrawi Dr

International Journal for Research in Education

This study aimed to find out the level of using the visual activity schedule to improve self-regulation skills for students with autism spectrum disorder. The study consisted of a sample of 74 male and female students with autism spectrum disorder. The study tool was used to improve self-organization skills, and a program of using visual activity tables was administered, in which the validity and reliability of the tool was calculated. The study found statistically significant differences between the pre and post testing of the experimental group which refers that the training program improved self-regulation skills for the experimental group participants. …

Everything Is Bigger In Texas: Including The Horrendously Inadequate Attempts At Providing Special Education And Related Services To All Children With Disabilities, Alexandria R. Booterbaugh

The Scholar: St. Mary's Law Review on Race and Social Justice

Without immediate action, the “corrections” made by the Texas legislature to meet the appropriateness requirement for special education will result in imminent peril for students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as their parents. Tens of thousands of children fall between the cracks as a result of Texas’ illegalities and the lack of responsibility Texas’ lawmakers and Texas Education Agency (TEA) have for special education. If Texas does not fully devote itself to a significant overhaul of its special education practices, students will continue to be left behind.

Congress enacted the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) because …

Representation In Visual Schedules For Individuals With Disabilities, Colleen Fowkes

Masters Theses, 2020-current

A visual activity schedule (VAS) is an evidence-based intervention that can assist individuals to follow a routine, see what is coming next, reduce dependence on others, and aid in transitions. A VAS is a sequence of visuals (photographs, avatars, line drawings, etc.) that can be used to show the user what they are to do in a specific order. A VAS acts as a template for the task the user is supposed to accomplish. Visual schedules can be beneficial for a wide range of users; they have been seen to be especially effective when used with individuals with disabilities, autism …

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 …

A Comparative Evaluation Of The Effects Of Social Skills Group Training And Computer- Based Social Skills Training, Indira Hightower

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to evaluate the effects of social skills training programs as a method to improve social skills in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study sought to advance the social skills training options for children with autism spectrum disorder by comparing various evidence-based social skills training programs in hope to provide meaningful, significant, and sustainable social-emotional changes that are explicitly taught and later generalized across individuals, settings, and environments. The researcher specifically evaluated the effects of social skills group training and computer-based social skills training among the three study participants with autism spectrum disorder.

The …

Using Music Training To Increase Social Responsiveness And Happiness In Children With Autism, Meghan Talarico

MSU Graduate Theses

Social skills are imperative for individuals’ success in their daily lives because they are applied in areas such as shared interests and cooperative work and play. This study was a replication with extension of the study on a musical treatment of social skills by Finnigan and Starr (2010). The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of musical and non-musical interventions on the sharing and turn-taking behavior of five children with autism. The participants were four boys and one girl between the ages of 4- and 8-years-old who had a diagnosis of autism and were receiving ABA …

The Why, The Who, The How… A Guide To Planning Effective, Collaborative, Person-Centered Transition Services For Students With Disabilities, Kristie Covington, Lorita Rowlett

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Providing effective transition services and plans for students with disabilities can seem like a daunting task to special education teachers and supporting agencies. Planning effective collaboration and coordination between stakeholders increases the likelihood that students with disabilities will graduate high school and participate in desired postsecondary activities, be it paid employment or postsecondary education (NTACT, 2019). Many special education teachers and supporting agencies are unsure where to start when planning and coordinating transition services; in response we created a document that can be used as a guidance and planning tool to design effective, person-centered, collaborative transition services. The planning tool …