This research aimed to analyze the insertion of Brazilian psychology into the context of school inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder. To this end, an integrative review was carried out in two stages: (1) mapping of publications on ASD in different areas of psychology; (2) analysis of the approaches and modes of action adopted to…

This study began by dissecting what the research says regarding students with disabilities, inclusion and its current practices, the characteristics of those leaders that promote inclusive cultures, perceptions of inclusion of teachers and principals, and school culture. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the perceptions of inclusive…

The goal of any educational program is to help its students to maximize their fullest potential in inclusive environments. For many students with disabilities, having an inclusive environment seems to be an ideal policy. Ironically, this policy continues to be debatable and controversial. Sometimes, the controversy or debate dominates the real…

Facilitating the learning and participation of pupils with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (herein referred to as AS) in mainstream schools is complex and poorly understood. We report on a small-scale qualitative study of the views and experiences of 20 such pupils drawn from four secondary schools in north-west England. Data were…

This column presents a discussion of the philosophy and practice of inclusion of students with disabilities and a review of five books and articles on inclusive schools; and an annotated bibliography of nine journal articles and reports on gifted students and educational reform. (JDD)

We have moved from a period of institutional and facility-based thinking in which people were seen as patients, through an intermediary phase in which these individuals were seen as citizen with disabilities, but who share with all other citizens the potential for, and the right to, full community participation and integration. The movement of…

This final report describes the Systematic Integrated Preschool Education Model (SIPE) project, which established classrooms to demonstrate an inclusion model for serving preschool children with severe disabilities. A total of 33 preschool children with identified developmental disabilities and their families in three Virginia school districts…

This paper presents five systematic phases for bringing about successful regular education inclusion of students with severe disabilities. Phases include develop networks within the community, assess school and community resources, review strategies for integration, install strategies that lead to integration, and develop a system of feedback and…

This commentary refutes use of segregation and institutionalization as a legitimate lifestyle strategy for individuals with mental retardation. It contends that advocates of this strategy have never justified its use with valid research and calls for integration that is carefully parsed into its various expressions, the highest form being valued…

This study of three high school students with severe disabilities in regular education classes found that regular class participation was an important source for meeting peers without disabilities who subsequently became members of students' social networks. Perceived quality of social contacts was not dependent on initial contact being made…

Examines the ways in which school counselors are most likely to be affected by the mainstreaming of children with disabilities. Counselors will most likely have expanded roles on multidisciplinary teams, be responsible for promoting acceptance by nondisabled peers, experience more interaction with school social workers and parents, and develop…

The mainstreaming concept has dramatically changed the lives of enumerable special needs children in positive ways but in some cases has become a travesty as it is extended beyond its logical limits. Developmental appropriateness is the pivotal priority in the education of children, especially those with severe/profound mental disabilities. (JDD)

A case study is presented of a girl (age six) with multiple disabilities including moderate to severe mental retardation who was fully included in a regular first-grade classroom. The experience indicated that students with multiple disabilities can learn to follow classroom routines, follow directions, acquire new skills, and improve their…

My response to Johnston's (2004) "W(h)ither the Deaf Community?" is theoretical in nature and sociological in perspective. I comment on how Johnston's particular concern for the possible demise of Australian Sign Language (Auslan) in Australia's currently transforming social and medical context surrounding childhood deafness is legitimate but…

This article compares the inclusive schools movement and the Regular Education Initiative in terms of advocates, goals, tactics, and understanding of and links to general education. The article finds that the inclusive schools movement has become increasingly strident, and its perspective has become increasingly insular and disassociated from…