Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

The Effect Of Living And Non-Living Sensory Inputs (Lnsi) On Cortical Activation And Functional Outcomes In Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Experimental Mixed Method Study, Hawraa Mohammad Habeeb

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a common manifestation observed in persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), wherein the brain inaccurately interprets sensory information. Teachers often face many sensory issues in the classroom. However, it is commonly known that addressing SPD falls within an occupational therapist's (OT) responsibility. Recent research has found that promoting sensory strategies in educational training is necessary. Hence, the current experimental mixed-methods research aimed to accurately evaluate the efficacy of the sensory intervention and sensory inputs utilized in the Living and Non-Living Sensory Input (LNSI) intervention program on sensory behavior, executive function, nonverbal cognitive abilities, and cortical …

From Perfect Victim To Resilient Upstander: How Educators Can Help Middle-School Students With Asd Thrive Despite Peer Aggression, Julie R. Johnson

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to be bullied by peers (46-94%), bullied by siblings, and chronically bullied than typically developing students (30.5%). Some victims become bullies, particularly when impulsivity and hostility are high or perseverance or prudence are low. Students with ASD are more likely to become bully-victims, especially if they have certain comorbidities. This literature review explores how educators can mitigate this cycle. Schools need a multi-tiered system of supports to support victims with ASD so they do not become bullies: Tier One needs clear policies, anti-bullying programs, and neurodiversity-affirming classrooms. Tiers Two and Three …

Mind The Gap: A Synthesis Of Research On The Theory Of The Mind Differences In Autism And Educational Bridging Strategies, Christopher K. Hansen

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This master’s thesis analyzes “Theory of the Mind” (how we understand other people’s thoughts) through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Rather than looking at autism as a one-sided social flaw, this paper explores the idea that communication gaps occur because neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals naturally speak different social languages. This literature review examines how forcing autistic students to mask their natural traits causes academic frustration and emotional and mental exhaustion. This can also cause anxiety and lead to depression. Part of this paper focuses on translating these findings into practical bridging strategies for the classroom, using a variety of approaches to …

Exploring Perceptions Of High School Paraprofessionals Regarding Training On The Use Of Prompts When Implementing Transition Plans For High School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Candace Galvez

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

Paraprofessionals often assist teachers in providing instruction to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and require training to help students achieve the goal of independence (Ledford et al., 2018). However, there is a lack of quality training among paraprofessionals when implementing evidence-based teaching practices (Jones & Zarcone, 2014). The problem explored is the lack of quality training paraprofessionals receive in the use of prompts when they implement transition plans for students with ASD (Brock, 2022). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of high school paraprofessionals in New Jersey state-approved private schools related to …

A Review Of The Validity Of The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2, Keegan Cundiff

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted condition that affects individuals in unique ways. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 2020), people with ASD have a neurological disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. One common ASD evaluation tool is the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2 (ADOS-2), which helps a clinician decide if the student exhibits social and communication skills expected of someone with or without ASD. Since ASD is a disorder for which symptoms need to be present within the early developmental period, it is common for schools and pediatricians to be initial sources of referral …

Applied Behavior Analysis, Scerts Model, And Daily Life Therapy: A Continuum For Teaching Students With Severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emmalee M. Schepis

Honors Program Theses and Projects

This project analyzed the continuum of philosophical interventions used to support students with severe autism. Project activities included reviews of program websites and documentation, site visits to each private residential school program, and focus group interviews conducted with teachers from each school. These data sources created a basis for analysis and a variety of conclusions to describe the contrasting philosophical approaches employed by each program. The summative analysis of the project activities provided greater understanding of the complex continuum of philosophical intervention strategies designed to support students with ASD.

Coach To Teach: Effects Of Ecoaching On Special Education Teacher Implementation Of Discrete Trial Training, Olga Karadimou

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

The growing shortage of special education teachers (SETs) and declining retention rates across numerous United States (U.S.) school districts pose a serious threat to the quality of education provided to students with disabilities. One of the ongoing challenges is the significant gap between evidence-based practices (EBPs) and their actual implementation in classrooms. Researchers emphasize the importance of providing high-quality professional development (PD) targeting the use of EBPs in the classroom, as doing so has been linked to SET retention (Berry & Gravelle, 2013; Berry et al., 2011; Hagaman & Casey, 2018; Reagan et al., 2019). This study aimed to experimentally …

A Systematic Review On The Efficacy Of Video Modeling On Social Interactions Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Miguel Cantu

Masters Theses (Archived)

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video modeling in increasing social interactions with individuals with ASD (IwASD) in transitional or postsecondary educational settings. The study inclusion criteria included (a) quantitative data must be present, (b) an objective or research question must be stated, (c) video modeling must be an intervention in their study, (d) a minimum of one target behavior must focus on social interactions, and (e) all studies must be published within the last six years. This systematic review analyzed the purpose, sample, methodology, settings, discussion, and results to find the effectiveness of the intervention, resulting …

Pixels Or People: A Comparison Of The Differenital Effects Of Animated And Human Video Models On Exercise Behaviors For Hgh School Students With Intellectual Disability, Jade Alexis Fulkerson

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

Individuals with intellectual disabilities, with or without autism spectrum disorder, often require structured programming to facilitate acquisition of skills. Video modeling, an evidence-based strategy, offers a promising avenue for skill instruction. While research has demonstrated the effectiveness of human-modeled video interventions, limited research has been conducted into the efficacy of animated models. Addressing this gap, the present study employed an alternating treatments design to compare the effectiveness of human and animated models in teaching exercise behaviors to high school students with intellectual disabilities, with or without autism spectrum disorder. Results revealed variability among participants: one individual exhibited superior performance with …

Short Report: Initial Pilot Of A Brief Career Development Program For Autistic Young Adults, Samantha Cadondon, Meghan Dawson, Jeanne Anne Carriere, Amy Jane Griffiths, Jean-G. Gehricke

Education Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Many autistic young adults may struggle to progress to further education or employment after high school, highlighting the need for tailored career development programs. If provided with the proper resources and support, the obstacles faced by autistic youth in pursuing post-secondary activities may decrease.

Aims

This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a brief career development program consisting of a strengths and challenges intervention paired with a 12-week workshop intervention.

Methods and procedures

We studied the participants' changes in confidence and participation in pursuing post-secondary activities using a series of questionnaires in 20 participants, …

The Effectiveness Of Naturalistic Sign Language Training For Nonspeaking Individuals On The Autism Spectrum, Elizabeth Michael

Honors Projects

This study examined the impacts of sign language training on the communication of two adult brothers with level 3 autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A single-subject, multiple-baseline design was used. Sign language targets were selected based on a parent survey and the participants’ predicted motivation towards the target items. The baseline and intervention were conducted naturalistically in the home. Results indicated that the individual, environment, target signs, reinforcement, and motivation are all factors that play into sign language acquisition for nonspeaking individuals with ASD.

An Analysis On The Effects Of Melodic Based Communication Therapy On Verbal Behavior In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Meghan Kathleen Casperson

Theses and Dissertations

This applied dissertation was designed to analyze the effect Melodic Based Communication Therapy has on minimally verbal children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly tact responses and their generalization in the natural environment. MBCT is a replicable protocol for pairing melodies with target words to elicit speech in children with neurodevelopmental and language impairment. There is a call for the MBCT’s replication to widen the research on this approach in natural settings and across children with ASD and other developmental disabilities.

A multiple baseline design across participants was used to determine the impact MBCT has on the tact responding in …

Using Generic Picture Cues To Promote Verbal Initiations During Play, Stephanie L. Mattson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate difficulty communicating with others, and this may impact the extent to which they can engage in language during play. Previous researchers have used interventions to increase commenting during play with caregivers, siblings, and adult play partners. In these previous studies, researchers have taught participants to use text-based or audio recorded scripted phrases to facilitate communication. However, because these interventions include multiple components such as physical guidance and verbal reminders from another individual in addition to the textual or auditory scripted phrase, it is unclear the extent to which the specific words associated …

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, …

Autism - The Sensory Piece, Marta Weis

LC Journal of Special Education

The first part of this paper will describe diagnostic characteristics of and the prevalence rates for autism. The second will outline sensory processing terminology and descriptions. The third part of this paper will describe research studies focusing on what if any links there are between ASD and sensory processing problems. The last part of this paper will discuss implications for educators and why understanding how sensory processing difficulties influence the behaviors of individuals with ASD.

Decreasing Self-Injurious Behaviors In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Susan L. Mccorkle

LC Journal of Special Education

There has been increased concern in developing successful interventions for problem behaviors in ASD due to a rise in diagnoses of this disorder (Doughty & Doughty, 2008). This paper will explore applied behavior analysis research studies that have examined interventions used in the attempt to decrease or extinguish SIB in children with ASD. Procedural alternatives for behavioral reduction will be investigated and the results of research will be evaluated for significant influence on SIB. These include reinforcement-based strategies, extinction strategies, removal of desirable stimuli, and the presentation of aversive stimuli. The functional relationship between SIB and these alternatives for behavior …

Academic Interventions For Students With Asd, Deanna B. Cash

LC Journal of Special Education

Following the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act in 2004 and its emphasis on inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education setting, students with Autism Spectrum Disorder are increasingly taught in general education classrooms (Leblanc, Richardson, & Burns, 2009; Simpson, Boer-Ott, & Smith-Myles, 2003). Data from the Annual Report to Congress on Implementation of IDEA (U.S. Department of Education, 2010) indicated that almost 90% of students with autism in public schools in the United States receive their education in general education classrooms for some part of the school day. Yet, both general education and special …

Systematic Literature Review Of Experiences And Supports For Students With Asd Post Hoc: Findings Regarding Diversity And Implications For Research And Educator Preparation, Eric J. Lopez, Mariya T. Davis

Special Education Faculty Publications (Archived)

The following post hoc analysis examines cultural and/or linguistic information from a previous systematic literature review of 24 studies investigating demographic information, encounters, assists and suggestions of study participants enrolled in post-secondary education institutions with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The analysis and discussion of results appeal for the need to not only include and focus on diversity but to refocus on cultural consciousness. Implications and future directions for research and for educator preparation programs are proposed.

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 …

The Predictive Influence Of Challenging Behavior On Parent Stress In Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Paige Weir

LSU Master's Theses

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interest, and repetitive patterns of behavior. Individuals with ASD also exhibit challenging behaviors that affect parent and caregiver stress directly. However, researchers have not yet examined the predictive influence of specific challenging behaviors on parent stress, particularly in young children (i.e., infants and toddlers) with ASD. Therefore, the current study expands existing literature by a) investigating the influence that challenging behaviors of young children with ASD have on parent stress and b) examining the unique contribution that each behavior (i.e., aggressive/disruptive behavior, stereotypy, and self-injurious …

Understanding The Lived Experiences Of Autistic Adults, Sneha Kohli Mathur

Education (PhD) Dissertations

Although there is a plethora of autism-related research, research related to transition and support needs for autistic adults remains limited. The purpose of this study was to understand the hopes, dreams, aspirations, challenges, and lived experiences of autistic adults. Academic literature has largely emphasized autism as a medical deficit, and use of first-person narratives to understand needs of people on the autism spectrum is rare. To fill this gap, I conducted a narrative study through a social model of disability lens and centered voices of autistic individuals. The narrative component of this research allowed readers to understand the subjective experiences …

How Is Technology Being Used To Impact Those With Autism Spectrum Disorder?, Nathaniel T. Hillebrand

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Collection

This study sought to examine the use of technology to aid in social development of middle and high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, perceived impact by teachers, and potential future applications. This study reports on qualitative data gathered from surveys sent to teachers in Indiana and Ohio who worked with those students. Findings include a range of technology implementations in the classroom and an overall feeling of perceived positive impact of technology on developing social skills. The connection between adolescence and the need for focused social skill development and the future direction for research were also discussed.

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 …

A Spectrum Of Tech: An Integrated Literature Review Of Technologies To Target Social Skills In Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Taylor Caldwell

Senior Honors Theses

Students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often have limited social or communication skills and, thus, need extra assistance in learning when and how to engage in appropriate interactions with those around them. However, because there are several different individual skills (e.g., joint attention, emotional expression, etc.) that fall under the categories of social and communication skills, and there are even more options of devices and programs to choose from within assistive technology (AT) and instructional technology (IT), it may seem daunting to find the right technology to meet a specific child’s needs and to determine whether that technology procedures lasting …

The Implementation Of Peak Relational Training System In A Special Education Classroom, Kelsey Leachko

Masters Theses/Capstone Projects

This study was an instructional inquiry project using a single participant research design and mixed methods data collection. The study investigated the implementation of PEAK (Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge) Relational Training System: Direct Training Module (Dixon, 2014), specifically when focused on the behavior of a second-grade student with ASD in a specialized learning center. By conducting a pre-assessment with a single subject, deficits in foundational skills were identified and three focus behaviors were chosen for the intervention. PEAK was then implemented using a multiple baseline design to teach and reinforce the behaviors. The progress of the intervention was …

Parent-Teacher Relationship Quality As A Predictor Of Changes In Externalizing Behaviors At School For Children With Asd, Lana Andoni

Graduate Masters Theses

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit high rates of externalizing behaviors compared to children with other disabilities and typically developing peers. These behavioral challenges may impede their ability to successfully transition into school settings. Higher quality relationships between parents and clinicians working with children with ASD have been shown to yield positive student outcomes. Additionally, parent involvement is considered to play a critical role in the success of interventions for children with ASD. Teachers may benefit from parents’ extensive knowledge about their child and parents may benefit from greater knowledge of school behavior plans to promote continuity of behavior …

What Is Happening To Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) Who Compensate?, Nanan Nuraini

International Programs

Many treatments for individuals with ASD focus on shaping their behaviour to fit in society. As a result, they may look like typical individuals and able to get along in social life but they still have cognitive impairment. This phenomenon known as compensation. In addition to its benefits, there are also negative effects of compensation. However, studies show that the benefits of compensation outweigh the risks. Future research should focuses on shaping better environment or individuals with ASD.

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 …

Inclusive Ensembles: Differentiating For The Singer On The Autism Spectrum, Natalie Wilkins, Natalie A. Wilkins

Honors College Theses

Exceptional children belong in music classrooms. Music ensemble directors need to overcome complex challenges to meet the goal of inclusion, because ensembles often include a mixture of ages, grades, social and intellectual development stages, musical skills, and a wide variety of diverse learning needs. This study focuses on how a choral ensemble director may create an inclusive environment for students on the Autism Spectrum.

This study reviewed the current research on inclusive rehearsal environments. Analysis revealed varied methods for differentiation that allows students with special needs to thrive in a music classroom and also revealed that music can be a …

Using The Question-Answer Relationship Strategy To Improve Listening Comprehension In Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Lisa A. Phalen

Communication Disorders & Special Education Theses & Dissertations

A well-established research base indicates that many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience deficits in reading comprehension skills. There is currently limited research which examines the relation between the communication and language impairments in ASD and emergent literacy skills in early childhood. Listening comprehension has been identified as one emergent literacy skill closely linked to reading comprehension development. The purpose of the study is to examine the effects of the question-answer relationship strategy (QAR) and QAR cue cards as a shared book reading intervention package on the listening comprehension skills of children with ASD. A single-subject concurrent multiple-baseline …