How do teachers support their students on the autism spectrum in Australian primary schools?

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Clark, Megan
Adams, Dawn
Roberts, Jacqueline
Westerveld, Marleen
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2019
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

This study investigated the supports and modifications made available to students on the autism spectrum in Australian schools. Teachers rated the importance of several factors in determining the grades of their students and reported on the frequency of student engagement with a range of instructional materials. Eighty-seven teachers identified the modifications, accommodations and additional assistance provide to primary school students on the autism spectrum. Teachers also compared the frequency of class engagement and methods of evaluating outcomes for students with and without autism. A range of modifications and adjustments were implemented to support students on the spectrum. There were no significant differences in the frequency of instructional material use of students on the autism spectrum compared to their classmates. However, teachers did report differences in their methods of determining the grades of their students with and without autism. This is an important first step in understanding the experiences of teachers who are educating students on the autism spectrum in Australian schools. The findings reveal that teachers are working to support the diverse learning needs of their students on the autism spectrum. Further investigation of the factors that are driving teachers’ use of school-based supports is warranted.

Journal Title

Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

20

Issue

1

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Specialist studies in education

Special education and disability

Social Sciences

Education, Special

Education & Educational Research

modifications

adjustments

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Clark, M; Adams, D; Roberts, J; Westerveld, M, How do teachers support their students on the autism spectrum in Australian primary schools?, Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 2019, 20 (1), pp. 38-50

Collections