Implementation of evidence-based practices for autistic students must be informed by robust research literature. Randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) are often considered a "gold standard" methodology for determining the effectiveness of interventions. However, the complex nature of schools presents challenges for implementing successful…

The transition from high school to university is usually complex for every student, but especially for minority groups. This is mainly due to the need to create more inclusive universities. The objective of this study was to determine the variables that influence the transition from post-compulsory education to university for students identifying…

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the ways in which people are able to communicate effectively. The addition of the face mask as a distracting stimulus interrupts the holistic process that people use to interpret facial expressions. The present study seeks to investigate the impact of face masking and gaze direction on…

Schoolwide peer-mediated programs have long been advocated as an avenue for promoting inclusion, friendship, and learning for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Such interactive programs faced complexities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed representatives of 91 elementary and secondary schools implementing a…

The purpose of this study was to understand the factors which are influencing the low number of students living with autism spectrum disorders who graduate from four-year, degree-granting colleges and universities within six years of enrollment. This instrumental case study investigated the higher education experience for 13 students who…

Children with autism often display differences in functional and symbolic play and may experience barriers to social inclusion with peers in preschool settings. Therefore, interventions supporting social play between children with autism and their peers that can be feasibly implemented by teachers in inclusive settings are needed. A…

Successful partnerships between families and schools can substantially improve children's success in and out of school. Yet parents of autistic children often report considerable challenges with their children's education. Almost no research, however, has examined autistic parents' own experiences. We, therefore, sought the views and experiences…

Special education services are crucial for enhancing outcomes and well-being among autistic students. Unfortunately, many racially and ethnically minoritized and girl autistic youth face challenges in timely and accurate identification. National-level data reveal autism prevalence rates differ across student gender, race, and ethnicity hindering…

Autism spectrum disorder is a growing public health concern in low-and middle-income countries that has prompted a World Health Organization resolution on "comprehensive and coordinated efforts for management of autism spectrum disorder." Despite being a signatory of the resolution, South Africa does not have any national policies to…

Inclusive music classrooms in theory and in practice, within the context of Cyprus, are an under-researched area. This study wishes to address this gap in research, by proposing a Model of Musical Development in Inclusive Education (MMDIE) that could act as a valuable tool for music educators, researchers, teachers, parents and stakeholders for…

Purpose: Research has raised concerns about the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents in different cultures show different psychological functioning when caring for a child with ASD. Hence, we examined QOL in parents of children with ASD in India and its relationship with socio-demographic…

This article discusses historical system structures in education that have impeded on inclusion and present pertinent historical challenges, pedagogy and beliefs that are foundational in cultivating inclusive environments today. It explores Neurodiversity, an equity imperative, as critical to shifting the culture of teaching and learning by…

As the prevalence of autistic children receiving special education continues to increase, educators are expected to identify and implement evidence-based interventions for autistic students. Unfortunately, there are numerous barriers to implementation of evidence-based interventions in schools and educators report a lack of adequate training…

The foundation of inclusive education is that every learner has the potential to contribute positively to society. A sense of belonging to society is vital to this contribution, and to the growth and development of autistic children and young people. New Zealand has made some positive progress towards inclusive education, with some education…

All adults, regardless of neurodivergent condition, should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and sustainable work. However, there are a range of unique barriers facing those with neurodivergent conditions which are critical to understand to successfully facilitate the career development learning (CDL) strategies that will enable job…