ERIC Number: EJ1471489
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0741-9325
EISSN: EISSN-1538-4756
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Understanding the Perceptions of School Engagement of Parents of Students with Autism
Samantha E. Goldman1; Maria P. Mello2
Remedial and Special Education, v46 n3 p163-175 2025
Family-school engagement is integral to the success of students with autism. However, limited research has examined the conceptualization of family-school engagement from the perspective of parents of children with autism. With this in mind, we conducted focus groups with 22 parents of school-age children (ages 3-21) with autism from a southeastern U.S. state.. Using qualitative analysis, the authors identified seven types of engagement, each of which requires specific supports and has different barriers that may limit their use. These included: (a) collaborative partnership, (b) home-school communication, (c) advocacy, (d) school-based participation, (e) home-based participation, (f) service coordination, and (g) classroom observation. Adding two novel types of family engagement to the existing literature, findings contribute to a conceptualization of school engagement that incorporates the preferences and experiences of diverse parents of children with autism. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Descriptors: Parent School Relationship, Family Involvement, Partnerships in Education, Students with Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Communication (Thought Transfer), Advocacy, Parent Participation, Coordination, Classroom Observation Techniques, Parent Attitudes, Preferences, Allied Health Personnel
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Assumption University, Worcester, MA, USA; 2St. John’s University, New York, NY, USA