ERIC Number: EJ1475177
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-May
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2025-06-05
Investigating the Impact of Embedded Learning Opportunities on the Engagement of Children with Autism and Intellectual Disability
Salih Rakap1,2; Serife Balikci1,3,4
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n3 e70073 2025
Background: Engagement is essential for fostering learning and development in young children with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Methods: This study used a non-concurrent multiple-baseline across participants design to examine the effects of embedded learning opportunities (ELOs) on engagement and learning in four preschool-aged children diagnosed with ASD and ID. Results: Results showed a consistent increase in engagement for each child following the introduction of ELOs by teachers, with children generalising this engagement to other settings and sustaining high engagement levels during follow-up. Additionally, enhanced engagement was linked with improvements in independent performance of target behaviours. Social validity data from teachers further supported the intervention's effectiveness. Conclusions: These findings highlight ELOs as a promising and individualised approach to enhancing engagement and learning outcomes for preschool children with dual diagnoses of ASD and ID.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disability, Educational Opportunities, Learner Engagement, Preschool Children, Preschool Education, Individualized Instruction
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Specialized Education Services, School of Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA; 2Department of Special Education, School of Education, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey; 3Carsamba District Directorate of National Education, Samsun, Turkey; 4Piedmont Community College, Roxboro, North Carolina, USA