One of the earliest indicators of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is delay in language and social communication. Despite consensus on the benefits of earlier diagnosis and intervention, our understanding of the language growth of children with ASD during the first years of life remains limited. Therefore, this study compared communication growth…

Assessment in special education is a shared practice by a number of professionals. Educational diagnosticians are one such group of licensed professionals who assess students to determine eligibility and service recommendations. This study examined educational diagnosticians' perceptions of their role in fostering home--school collaborations. In…

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in autism identification negatively affect educational interventions for students identified with autism. The purpose of this qualitative ethnographic study was to gain insight into educational interventions aiding in eliminating racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities through the implementation…

This dissertation focuses on interdisciplinary problem-solving teams used to address the academic needs of elementary students struggling with reading. Use of teams has a strong theoretical base and wide endorsement by educational leaders, but limited empirical base. Three studies explore teams that convene students of differing academic status:…

At least 60% of children with disabilities have multiple disabilities including visual impairments (VI). Because the visual system is neurologically based, any problems of the neurological system will also likely affect vision. The estimated number of students with VI and additional disabilities has increased significantly over the years. Since…

Children with autism present unique challenges related to communication, behavior, and social skills. Each child with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibits individual characteristics of the disorder. Early identification of autistic spectrum disorder has been shown to improve the child's benefit from educational interventions. There may be…