Special Education and Teaching Commons^™

Teachers' Lived Experiences Supporting Students' Executive Functioning Skills: A Phenomenology, Mary Clare Fallon Beamer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of supporting students' executive functioning skills for experienced teachers at schools in Ohio. Cognitive load theory, acknowledging the relationship between executive functioning and cognition, was used to guide the study. Under this theory, human beings have a flexible yet finite ability to acquire knowledge, which is mediated through components of executive functioning, including working memory, inhibitory control, and self-regulation. Weaknesses in executive functioning may restrict cognitive load capacity through interference in the systems responsible for memory, attention, and behavior. Therefore, the following serves as the central research …

The Effect Of Dialogic Reading With An Adapted Reader On Narrative Reading Comprehension Of High School Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Ramella Lee

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Reading comprehension is essential for accessing grade-level content; however, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often demonstrate narrative comprehension difficulties related to language inferencing and self-regulation (Constable, 2013; Duke & Cartwright, 2021). Dialogic reading is an evidence-based shared reading practice that uses systematic prompts and contingent consequences to strengthen verbal behavior (Whitehurst et al., 1988; IES, 2007). Despite demonstrated effectiveness with young children with ASD, experimental research on dialogic reading with secondary school-aged students, particularly those requiring adapted instructional materials, remains limited (Hudson & Test, 2011; Spooner et al., 2012). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects …

Sleep And Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jennie Carlin

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and may negatively affect daytime behavior, emotional regulation, learning, and overall family well-being. This quantitative research proposal examines the relationship between sleep difficulties, behavioral functioning, and family experiences among children with ASD. The study will explore how behavioral and environmental sleep interventions may influence sleep quality and nighttime behaviors, how improved sleep may contribute to changes in daytime behavior, and how parents and caregivers perceive the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing sleep-focused interventions at home. A quantitative research design will be used to collect caregiver-reported data through the …

A Predictive Correlational Study Of The Accuracy Of Facial Action Units And Heart Rate Variability To Predict Sustained Attention In Kindergarten, First-, And Second-Grade Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Carrie Michelle Harmer

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this quantitative, predictive correlational study was to determine to what extent facial action units brow raise, lip press, lip suck, and mouth open and heart rate variability predict sustained attention and how accurately heart rate variability predicts the same facial action units in children ages 5 to 7 in kindergarten, first, and second grade with autism in a northeast Florida public school district. Results add to the existing body of research on how accurately facial expression analysis and heart rate variability predict sustained attention in a larger, younger sample of children with autism. They also clarify the …

The Effectiveness Of Equine-Based Therapy In Developing The Social Skills Of Children With Developmental Disabilities In The Uae: Parents’ Perspectives, Fatima Mohammed Alkatheeri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis explores parents’ perspectives on the effectiveness of equine-based therapy (EBT) in improving social skills among children with developmental disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Equine-based therapy has gained increasing international attention; however, research in the Gulf region remains limited, especially qualitative studies exploring parents’ lived experiences. The main objective of this thesis is to explore parents’ perceptions of changes in their children’s social development following participation in equine-based therapy and to examine the cultural relevance, benefits, and challenges of EBT implementation within the UAE context. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 …

How Gender Differences Influence The Presentation, Diagnosis, And Lived Experience Of Females With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Casey A. Vanyo

All Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a highly variable presentation influenced by gender. Historically, autism research has focused primarily on males, contributing to the under recognition and misdiagnosis of girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals. Women engage in camouflaging behaviors to align with social expectations, which can mask autistic traits and contribute to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. This thesis examines how gender shapes the presentation, diagnosis, and lived experiences of autistic females. It explores differences in diagnostic practices, mental health outcomes, and access to support. Findings suggest that current frameworks often fail to capture …

Beyond Barriers: Improving Employment Outcomes For Young Adults On The Autism Spectrum, Kendra L. Cope

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to face persistent barriers to employment, often stemming from challenges in communication, adaptability, and multitasking. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool to strengthen these employment skills through immersive, low-stress practice. This study evaluated a VR-based intervention using Floreo VR modules, guided practice, and performance feedback to enhance job readiness among high school students with ASD. A multiple-probe design across three skill domains: multitasking, handling interruptions and changes, and workplace communication to examine skill acquisition and maintenance with three students with ASD aged 16–18. Data from task-analysis checklists, interobserver agreement …

Teachers' Experiences Implementing Reading Comprehension Strategies With Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Phenomenology Study, Melissa Katherine Mcdermott

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This hermeneutic phenomenological study described educators' experiences implementing reading comprehension strategies with elementary school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in northern Delaware. The theory guiding this study was theory of mind, which addresses higher-order cognitive skills and impairments, evoking challenges for students with ASD regarding their reading comprehension skills. This study sought to answer the following research question: “What are teachers' experiences implementing instructional strategies to develop reading comprehension skills for students with ASD?” A hermeneutic phenomenological research design was used to investigate and understand the lived experiences of 12 educators in elementary schools who provide reading comprehension instruction …

Investigating Child-Informed Considerations For Animated Picture Symbols Representing Emotion For Aac Use In Children With Asd, Hannah Kitsmiller

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Development of emotional competence is an important area of consideration when supporting individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Emotional competence includes skills related to identifying and communicating about one’s emotions. Individuals who use AAC may struggle to develop strong skills in emotional competence. One potential barrier to developing emotional competence may be access to symbols that facilitate understanding of the represented emotion. Emotions are abstract and challenging to represent in visual symbols. Additionally, evidence suggests individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have visual perceptual differences when viewing faces. Current emotion symbols are often depicted using isolated facial …

The Effects Of Singing In Music Therapy Sessions On Vocabulary Acquisition With Children With Asd, Yeim Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with language acquisition and maintaining engagement during learning activities. While music therapy has shown promise in supporting communication and behavior in children with ASD, few studies have focused on its effect on vocabulary acquisition, particularly in comparing different types of music interventions like singing and non-singing approaches.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore how singing, as a method used in music therapy, affects vocabulary acquisition in a child with ASD. Three research questions guided this study: (1) How do singing and non-singing programs influence receptive vocabulary acquisition in a child with …

Comparative Effects Of Low- And High- Tech Visual Activity Schedules On Transition Latency In Young Children With Autism, Mikayla Nelson

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

Low-technology (low-tech) and high-technology (high-tech) visual activity schedules (VAS) were implemented for transitions with three kindergarten males diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An alternating treatment design was used to compare the latency of transitions from a preferred activity to an academic task after presenting a low- or high-tech VAS. Results indicated different effects between participants. Low-tech VAS was effective for one participant, and high-tech VAS was not effective for any participants in this study. Implications and further research are discussed regarding the importance of creating VAS on an individual basis, ensuring that each VAS meets an individual's communication and …

Promoting Academic And Social Well-Being For Young Adults With Asd Towards Post-Secondary Education And Employment, Theresa Holcomb, Pam Kasyan-Howe, Kristin Domville

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

This program and policy-type capstone addresses the gap in inclusive services for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in post-secondary education (PSE). It resulted in developing and implementing a Social Engagement program designed to enhance communication skills, self-advocacy, and workplace preparedness—key factors for academic and vocational success. Guided by the Occupational Adaptation Model (OAM) and the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the program used a board game-based format to facilitate interactive learning and the practical application of social skills. Targeting young adults with ASD involved in vocational training, the program emphasized developing professional communication and workplace social interaction. The findings indicate …

Effectively Teaching Non-Verbal Students, Lisa Vincent

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This inquiry-based research explores teaching strategies and assessments that minimize frustration in nonverbal students, thus preventing behaviors that hinder learning. Conducted through a literature review and Google questionnaires, the study also involves distributing questionnaires to special education teachers during professional development workshops. Findings indicate that student-centered approaches and preferred teaching strategies effectively engage students and reduce frustration, regardless of whether teachers are in general or special education. Positive teacher-student relationships were also found to impact student frustration levels significantly. These results highlight the importance of implementing student-centered approaches and fostering positive teacher-student relationships to enhance student learning experiences.

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 …

Reducing Emergency Department Visits For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Nurse-Led Home Interventions, Teri Nguyen

Nursing | Senior Theses

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges alongside their caregivers. Caregivers face challenges in accessing appropriate support and resources to effectively address the needs of children with ASD. Children with ASD struggle with sensory sensitivities, impaired safety awareness, and difficulties perceiving potential dangers which put them at greater risk for injuries. As a result, children with autism have higher rates of emergency department visits compared to their neurotypical peers. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home injury prevention and education in reducing emergency department visits for children with …

Reducing Emergency Department Visits Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Teri Nguyen

Nursing | Student Research Posters

In the realm of pediatric healthcare, children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face unique challenges alongside their caregivers. Caregivers face challenges in accessing appropriate support and resources to effectively address the needs of children with ASD. Children with ASD struggle with sensory sensitivities, impaired safety awareness, and difficulties perceiving potential dangers which put them at greater risk for injuries. As a result, children with autism have higher rates of emergency department visits compared to their neurotypical peers. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of nurse-led home injury prevention and education in reducing emergency department visits for children with …

Effectiveness Of An Inclusive, Small-Group Adapted Aquatics Program On Increasing Vo2max In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Peggy Manuelita Scarborough

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

There is a need to examine the effectiveness of interventions, such as swimming, that are aimed at increasing physical health and developing psychomotor skills in an inclusive setting for children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an inclusive, small-group adapted aquatics program on increasing VO₂max in children with ASD. Participants included two 11-year-old children diagnosed with ASD. The study took place over eight weeks and included a six-week Small-Group Adapted Aquatics (SGAA) program. Participants were assessed for VO₂max using the 20m PACER test during week one and week eight …

The Effects Of The Video Modeling Product Gemiini© On Verbal Response Production Of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Are Nonspeaking Or Minimally Speaking, Miranda Ann Galvin

Dissertations and Theses

The current study evaluates the effectiveness of the commercial video modeling program GemIIni© (GemIIni© Educational Systems, 2012) in increasing expressive spoken language production in individuals who exhibit characteristics of autism spectrum disorder and are considered nonspeaking or minimally speaking. Based upon the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis, video modeling has been identified as an evidence-based practice in teaching skills to students with disabilities. In this study, the criteria for using a single-case alternating treatment design embedded within an AB experimental design was implemented to evaluate the effect of the video modeling system on the number of responses produced.

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 …

Equity And Access To Care: Barriers To Diagnostic And Treatment Services For Black Families Of Autistic Youth, Harlee Onovbiona

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Numerous barriers to diagnostic and treatment access are present for families concerned their child might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD; e.g., long waitlists, limited specialized providers). However, Black families of autistic youth may experience additional racial barriers (e.g.., racial microaggressions, perceived stigma) due to the intersectionality of their child's disorder and their identity as Black Americans, a group that is systematically minoritized in the United States. Despite the importance of early identification and intervention, little research has documented how these barriers to treatment participation may impact perceived treatment effectiveness, treatment satisfaction, and stress among Black families of autistic youth. This …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

Effects Of Parent-Implemented Interventions On Outcomes Of Children With Autism: A Meta-Analysis, Wai Man Cheng, Timothy B. Smith, Marshall Butler, Tina Taylor, Devan Clayton

Faculty Publications

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been shown to beneft from parent-implemented interventions (PIIs). This meta-analysis improved on prior reviews of PIIs by evaluating RCTs and multiple potential moderators, including indicators of research quality. Fifty-one efect sizes averaged moderately strong overall benefts of PIIs (g=0.553), with studies having lower risk of research bias yielding lower estimates (g=0.47). Parent and observer ratings yielded similar averaged estimates for positive behavior/social skills (g=0.603), language/communication (g=0.545), maladaptive behavior (g=0.519), and to a lesser extent, adaptive behavior/life skills (g=0.239). No other study, intervention, or participant

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 …