Researchers have reported that children engage in pretend play that reflects the conventional activities of their environment (i.e., "learned-combinations play"). In contrast, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display fewer and less varied play behaviors. Research on teaching pretend play to children with ASD often involves…

This study examined the effects of a professional development (PD) intervention on inservice teachers' use of embedded instruction practices within inclusive preschool classrooms. The results of a multiple baseline across participants design suggested the PD intervention was effective in increasing teachers' implementation fidelity of embedded…

In this systematic review, we examined the use of technology-based interventions to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills to K-12 autistic students. Twenty peer-reviewed articles with 59 autistic participants, ages 5-21 and published between 2012 and 2021 were included. Studies used a variety of technology-based…

Humanoid robots have shown to provide interesting perspectives for autistic children. Yet, few studies have looked at educators' point of view on the use of such robots in educational settings. This paper presents a case study of the use of a humanoid robot, NAO, in a French preschool class dedicated to autistic children. Our work focuses on the…

The primary purpose of the current pilot study was to test the effects of an adapted and collaborative intervention model with a systematic teaching approach on Latina Spanish-speaking caregivers' use of "EMT en Español Para Autismo" strategies with their young children on the autism spectrum. A multiple baseline across behaviors single…

Discussions surrounding early years' theorist Piaget's philosophy of learning schema styles and their potential impact upon children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder will be highlighted within this position paper. Furthermore, this paper will also focus on the need for a Schematic Driven Pedagogy implementation to connect both…

Informational text (IT) is a type of nonfiction designed to convey information about the natural or social world. Reading IT with young children increases knowledge of content area vocabulary and concepts and helps children build the background knowledge for success with future reading. However, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may…

Teachers' training in and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)--specific evidence-based practices (EBPs) vary widely. While researchers continue to develop and disseminate evidence-based interventions, the research-to-practice gap between these interventions and implementation within school settings remains an ongoing challenge. This study…

Interventions for promoting physical activity designed specifically for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are lacking, which is problematic given the low rates of physical activity among this population. This study used a stakeholder-engaged approach to adapt the Wellness Enhancing Physical Activity for Young Children (WE PLAY)…

Autistic children are less likely to be jointly engaged with a play partner than nonautistic children, negatively impacting social communication development. Promoting joint engagement during play can be an important target for educators of autistic students, but educator perceptions of autistic students may affect their interactions with…

Exploring what practices early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers have been exposed to and use may highlight the need for improved dissemination and implementation supports. In this survey study, 312 U.S. ECSE teachers reported exposure (familiarity, training) and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) and low-value practices (LVPs) for…

Inclusion of autistic pupils into mainstream schools is common practice and staff should have adequate knowledge on teaching and managing classroom behaviour. However, autism knowledge among teaching staff may be inconsistent. A mixed-methods design examined differences between school staff in autism knowledge, perceived barriers to inclusion and…

Practice guidelines for early childhood education (ECE) and clinical autism interventions (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention, NDBI) have emerged separately in history, represent different disciplines, and operate within different service systems in the United States. This article identifies priorities, principles, and practices…

For centuries we have been using food for our well-being and health maintenance. As far back as Hippocrates (known as the father of medicine), food has been a center stone used as the good or suffering of humanity. The Bible references food and fasting, cleansing and revitalization to heal the spirit. Before the scientific discovery of synthetic…

In Hong Kong, children with high-functioning ASD typically enroll in mainstream preschools under the implementation of inclusive education. Inclusive environments offer increased opportunities for children with ASD to acquire social interactions with typically developing peers, making it beneficial for them to receive inclusive education in their…