Education Commons^™

Collaborative Challenges Between Educational Accessibility Coordinators And Adjunct Faculty In Supporting Autism Spectrum Students, Tamara Faure, Pietro Antonio Sasso

New York Journal of Student Affairs

Accessibility of educational accommodations has increased but can be frequently inconsistent for undergraduates with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The didactic relationship between educational accessibility staff with faculty, who are increasingly adjuncts, facilitates many course-learning accommodations. This descriptive phenomenological study explored the perceptions and professional experiences of educational accessibility coordinators with adjunct faculty in their implementation of learning accommodation for undergraduates with ASD. Findings from this study suggested that accessibility coordinators negotiated expectations of unprepared adjunct faculty and ASD students to address issues throughout the semester.

Coordinators believed ASD students struggled to navigate their experiences with adjunct professors because they were …

Momentum For Learning: Defining A Pedagogy Of Movement For Improved Learning And Cognition, Gretchen L. Stewart

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study reports the findings of a mixed-methods investigation into learning and cognition that has been theoretically and methodologically positioned as embodied. Embodied learning places pedagogical value on the biophysiologically dependent nature of learning on the development of the central nervous system. Rooted in empirical evidence of structural and functional brain change through movement, the purpose of this study was to investigate the primary teaching and learning features of a neurodevelopmental approach to schooling. The research question was, how do interdisciplinary experts operationalize movement as fundamental pedagogy in a brain relevant school model? Methods included qualitative interviews, a consensus building …

Building A Strength-Based Support Program For College Students With Autism, Deann Lechtenberger, Wesley H. Dotson, Eriko Fukuda, Rebecca Beights, Jennifer Hamrick, James Williams, Barry Lovelace

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Abstract

“It Sucks, But I’M Grateful”: Understanding The Experience Of Autistic Students Living In The Residence Halls, Mary F. Elliott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As populations of Autistic students at institutions of higher education increases, it is becoming more important for institutions to evaluate their programs with these students in mind. While the Autistic population has grown, policies and services on campuses have not become more inclusive or supportive of this population as a response. This evaluation examines the Residential Learning Model, the guide through which the residential life program at one institution of higher education is delivered to the students living in the residence halls. Through the lens of the Autistic students and the student staff who live and work in the residence …

Educational Leaders Can Lead The Way For Increased Academic Achievement For Students On The Autism Spectrum, Stephanie C. Holmes, Jennifer Butcher

School Leadership Review

The problem that drove this study was the increasing number of students with autism entering the school system, and the barriers often encountered for both academic and social inclusion for students on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder, as defined by diagnostic criteria, includes deficits in social-relational communication; social-communication deficits can lead to educational impacts and limit opportunities upon transitioning from the public-school system. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers to inclusion, from the perspectives of key stakeholders to include Local Education Agency (LEA) representatives, general and special education teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists …

Creating An Inclusive Climate For Students On The Autism Spectrum, Stephanie Holmes

School of Educational Leadership

The problem that drove this study was the increasing number of students with autism entering the school system, and the barriers often encountered for both academic and social inclusion for students on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder, as defined by diagnostic criteria, includes deficits in social-relational communication; social-communication deficits can lead to educational impacts and limit opportunities upon transitioning from the public-school system. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers to inclusion, which often includes the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) eligibility process itself, from the perspectives of key stakeholders to include Local Education Agency (LEA) representatives, …

Creating An Inclusive Climate For Students On The Autism Spectrum, Stephanie Christine Holmes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The problem that drove this study was the increasing number of students with autism entering the school system, and the barriers often encountered for both academic and social inclusion for students on the autism spectrum. Autism Spectrum Disorder, as defined by diagnostic criteria, includes deficits in social-relational communication; social-communication deficits can lead to educational impacts and limit opportunities upon transitioning from the public-school system. The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers to inclusion, which often includes the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) eligibility process itself, from the perspectives of key stakeholders to include Local Education Agency (LEA) representatives, …

The Role Of Animal-Assisted Interventions In Communication Skills Of Children With Autism, Jennifer Ann Friedrich

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social communication and prosocial behaviors. Due to a lack of social communication and social interaction skills among children with ASD, special education teachers are tasked with providing meaningful social opportunities to them to facilitate their learning of these skills. Special education literature lacks research studies about how dog-based animal-assisted interventions (AAI) can improve social communication outcomes for children in a school setting. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study, guided by Bowlby's theory of attachment and the human-animal bond concept, was to explore, describe, and improve the understanding of …

Ua10/1 Cec Newsletter, Wku Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex

WKU Archives Records

Newsletter created by and about the WKU Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex.

A Review Of Survey Data Collected On The Use Of Applied Behavior Analytic (Aba) Based Instructional Strategies By Educators In Pennsylvania Schools, Eric J. Bieniek, Mike Monfore, Matthew Erickson, Ashlea Rineer-Hershey, Richael Barger-Anderson

National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

This survey was initiated to explore the perceptions and daily practices of Applied behavior Analytic ABA) by educators supporting exceptional learners in public and private school settings in Pennsylvania. This survey explores the degree to which educators are trained, feel confident in and actually carry out a range evidenced based practices following an ABA approach. Results are also presented in regards to barriers that educators feel limit the delivery of ABA based approaches and undermine the fidelity of interventions once introduced in their professional settings.

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 …

Elucidation Of Effective Professional Development Experiences: Addressing Inclusion For Students With Autism, Jennifer Lee Suppo

Journal of Research Initiatives

Open interviews were conducted with a special education teacher and a general education teacher. The overall guiding question was to provide elucidation of what is needed in a professional development program to meet the needs of both the general and special education teachers who teach children with a diagnosis of autism in an inclusive setting. Overall, the themes of diversity, knowledge and collaboration emerged as important variables for professional development experiences. Furthermore, in-depth knowledge and flexibility arose as important qualities of the facilitator of a professional development experience. Implications are a set forth for the expansion of the study and …

Alternative Ways For Treating The Characteristics Of Autism Without The Use Of Medication, Heather Coleman

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects one out of 66 children worldwide (Autism Speaks, 2015). Although, some people feel that medication is a benefit for treating individuals with autism, nevertheless, there can be alternative methods in the treatment of how the brain develops that does not include medication: such as brain based exercises, reducing primitive reflexes, and using a holistic approach. Through a series of extensive brain based exercises, in conjunction with reducing the primitive reflexes, as well as incorporating natural vitamins, minerals and essential oils, parents may able to see the brain grow in unison. Once the brain …

From Railways To Radiators: How Support Teams Can Use Special Interests To Promote Success Among Individuals With Autism, Maggie Bredlau

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently being diagnosed at a rate of 1 in 68 children (Katz, Malow, & Reynolds, 2016). According to the DSM-V a diagnosis of autism carries with it two identifying characteristics: 1. consistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across more than one context; 2. restricted, repetitive interests that are evident through highly fixated odd interests. Children with autism can have difficulty finding ways to incorporate these highly-fixated interests into their daily lives. Research indicated that when individuals on the spectrum can incorporate their fixations into daily interactions and routines their self-esteem, social connections, career …

Use Of Technology For Children With Autism: Academic Success In The Least Restrictive Environment, Laura Scott

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a prevailing neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many aspects of a child’s life. Their communication and emotional regulation are hindered which makes it more challenging for them to thrive in the general education setting. Every child has the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment with needed support provided by its local school. Research has shown the use of technology to be a major contribution to student engagement and success. The focus of this article is to examine how a child’s communication and emotional regulation affect their academics and offer research based solutions. It …

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 …

One Treatment Plan For Autism Does Not Fit All, Diane Hassebrock

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder with a rising prevalence rate. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (2014) the rates were reported to be one out of every 68 children. Autism affects social interaction, interest, activities, communication, and causes restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviors. When a child is diagnosed with autism, it is important for the family to decide on a treatment plan. Treatment for autism is usually a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child’s family and a team of professionals. The focus of this article is to explain the …

Identifying And Supporting Twice-Exceptional Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd), Jennie Mcfadden

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Twice-exceptional students are being over looked because the identification process is one sided and/or eliminates dual diagnoses. Twice-exceptional refers to students who are both gifted and have a disability (Segen’s Medical Dictionary, 2011). The method in which this research was completed included reading scholarly journals, textbooks, and educational websites. Although some children with autism are also gifted, never the less, the gifted talents of these children are often overlooked and not supported, because the disability masks their abilities, testing criteria, and behavior. The results identified that, because the students’ disability camouflaged their areas of giftedness is being over looked. By …

Independence Starts With Teaching: Implementing Evidence-Based Strategies To Build Self-Advocacy And Independence In Students With Autism, Kelsey Tobey

Journal of Educational Leadership in Action

Although children with autism are dependent on educators to provide guidance; never the less, students also need opportunities to exhibit independence and advocate for themselves. If they are always dependent on adults, students with autism are not able to increase their independence in functional and adaptive skills. Through ongoing studies and observations, educators found students who are taught through research-based structures, such as the least-to-most prompt hierarchy and Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children (TEACCH) tasks, are better prepared to exhibit independent living skills during further education and independent living.

Puzzled Representations: Popular Media And How Educators Come To Know Autism, Vanessa N. Keener

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

People learn about the world through popular culture. Popular culture media representations of autism can be found in TV, film, literature, Internet media, advertisements, and more. This study employed a quantitative correlational design to survey 273 Georgia educators regarding their perceptions of autism, including knowledge about autism, best practices for teaching students labeled as having autism, perceived positivity and accuracy of popular media representations of autism, as well as participant identification with popular media representations of autism and personal characteristics (i.e., age, sex, level of education, type of degree, years of teaching experience, professional and personal experiences). Six major findings …

Effective Educational Practices Regarding General Education Teachers And Inclusion Of Students With Autism, Chanda Rhodes Coblentz

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Owing to the influx of students with autism to the general education classroom, the role of the educator has drastically changed. Limited training and negative perceptions among teachers of students with autism are concerning. A qualitative case study, based on Bandura's theory of self-efficacy as a conceptual framework, was used to gather information based on the preservice training and personal classroom experiences from 7 general education teachers who were purposefully selected based on their licensure in the state of Ohio and experience in teaching students with autism. Research questions for this study examined the types of training teachers received, perceptions …

Accommodations And Support Services For Students With Asd. National Survey Of Dss Providers, Kirsten R. Brown

Kirsten R. Brown, Ph.D.

Teaching Children Who Have Difficulty Mastering Auditory Discriminations, Sarah Lichtenberger

Dissertations

Simple and conditional visual and auditory discrimination repertoires are critical components of many skills necessary for daily functioning, including communication, academic, and daily-living skills (Green, 2001). When auditory discrimination is not under instructional stimulus control, it can result in delayed acquisition of new skills and limit academic progress. The purpose of this study was to teach auditory discrimination to children with autism who had little to no progress on classroom procedures that required auditory discrimination, such as selecting an object from an array when given the name of the object as the direction. Auditory discrimination was taught starting with teaching …

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; …

Services For Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Study Of Educational Practices In Vermont, Tristan James Mcnamara

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to receive increasing degrees of national attention in parallel with increasing rates of occurrence (Baio, 2012; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014; Rice, 2009). The disorder's growing prevalence has been accompanied by controversies regarding the source of the disorder (Baker & Stokes, 2007), how it is diagnosed (Mandell et al., 2009; Wing, Gould, & Gillberg, 2011), and what treatments are applicable and effective (National Autism Center, 2009).

This qualitative research study utilizes survey data provided by Special Education Directors to explore the question of what types of treatments are implemented and supported by school …

Secondary General Education Teachers' Perceptions Of Challenges For Inclusion Students With Autism, Karen Clark Clark

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Many secondary students with autism (SWA) included in the general education (GE) classroom demonstrate academic and behavioral challenges. Most GE teachers who have inclusive SWA in their classes receive little or no training on evidence-based practices to address these challenges. The purpose of this qualitative bounded case study was to explore secondary GE teachers' perceptions of and experiences with the academic and behavioral challenges of inclusive SWA. Theoretical frameworks of the weak central coherence theory for autism and executive dysfunction grounded the study. Data from 6 purposefully chosen secondary GE inclusion teachers, who educated SWA and students with autism spectrum …

Facilitating The Acquisition Of Social Skills Through Service Learning, Becky J. Hendrickson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Deficits in communication affect individuals with autism regarding the ability to access a free and appropriate education as well as quality of life. This research study explored the effects of a service-learning project on acquisition of social skills and reduction of problem behaviors for students who have autism. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Maslow's theory of motivation and Erickson's 8 stages of personality development. A mixed-methods design with sequential transformative strategy was used to collect quantitative data from 5 elementary students who have autism during involvement in service learning; the Social Skills Improvement System was used …

A Study Of Teachers' Challenges With The Inclusion Of Middle And High School Students With Autism, Marcie Anne Goodrow

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Middle and high school general education teachers in the school district in this bounded case study

were facing challenges with meeting the needs of students who have autism in the current inclusion

program. The purpose of this study was to understand teachers' challenges with components of the

inclusion program and serving students with autism in the general education classroom. The

conceptual framework was Villa and Thousand's 5 system-level best practices for successful

inclusive education. A purposeful sampling procedure was used to select 4 general education

teachers who were teaching autistic students in an inclusive setting; this sample included 2 middle …

A Spectrum Of Support: Current And Best Practices For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) At Community Colleges, Kirsten R. Brown, Michael D. Coomes

Kirsten R. Brown, Ph.D.

Post Hoc Analysis On The Effect Of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Provided To Preschool Children On The Autism Spectrum, Catherine R. Maxwell Dumont

Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects

Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) provides a framework for educators to assist children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to increase independence and positive social skills in the classroom (Reichow, 2012). Preschoolers with ASD who do not have access to programs tend to display negative and socially inappropriate behavior, such as acts of aggression, withdrawal, and inability to attend to lessons. Studies on program effectiveness documented that preschool children who received EIBI scored higher on IQ, language comprehension, imitation, expressive language, nonverbal communication, play, stereotyped behaviors and adaptive functioning compared to preschool children who do not receive EIBI. The literature …