Motor delays and abnormalities are common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Existing literature indicates neurotypical (NT) siblings can bring unique advantages in promoting skill acquisition for their brother/sister with ASD when they serve as intervention agents. However, NT siblings' involvement in motor interventions for…

This study examined whether set-shifting ability for children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability would be affected differentially by verbal or nonverbal feedback as the outcome of previous research tentatively suggests that verbal feedback may lead to slower set-shifting. Overall, 56 children participated (42 male; 14…

The purpose of this investigation was to examine communication skill use and related characteristics, as well as factors associated with problematic communication during conferences, in parents and teachers of children on the autism spectrum (AS). Participants were 36 parent-teacher dyads who completed questionnaires on communication, defined…

Joint action routine (JAR) was implemented to help a 10-year-old student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve his social skills. The implementation of JAR involved incorporating several elements into group activities. These elements included establishing a meaningful theme for the activities, assigning simple and reciprocal roles to the…

The focus of this study was to evaluate the impact of formative assessment on teacher practice and student engagement toward identified personalized learning goals of students with intellectual disability. This study evaluated the impact of formative assessment training on special education teachers' practice and student participation in their own…

Autism spectrum disorder has gained international attention due to its prevalence and the extent to which it can affect families. As a disorder without quantifiable treatment effects, it is easily overlooked in the battle for resources. Estimating family economic burdens and the specific factors that may be associated with them could help in the…

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury are more common in autistic adolescents than non-autistic adolescents, per parent- and self-report. Clinician-rated measures of suicide risk (e.g. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) have not been investigated with autistic youth despite high parent-child rating discrepancies. In the…

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a profound impact on families throughout the United States (U.S.). These impacts resonated within Hispanic families, a rapidly growing demographic. This phenological study explored the lived experiences of Hispanic fathers of children with ASD, resulting in implications for social work education. The objective of…

Children with autism often show atypical brain lateralization for speech and language processing, however, it is unclear what linguistic component contributes to this phenomenon. Here we measured event-related potential (ERP) responses in 21 school-age autistic children and 25 age-matched neurotypical (NT) peers during listening to word-level…

Federal mandates require special education teachers to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) to support student learning to the extent practical. There are 28 identified EBPs specifically designed for teaching students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Preparing special education teachers to implement EBPs with fidelity remains a challenge.…

Fidget toys have been marketed as universal educational supports in the absence of a scientific evidence base. This article gives an overview of the existing literature on the effect of fidget toy use on student attention, behavior, and learning, and a review of two competing theoretical approaches to fidget toys: sensory processing theory and…

Many parents of toddlers and young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face challenges in identifying community childcare centers that are adequately prepared to provide developmentally appropriate care for their toddler while also obtaining the recommended amount of early intervention services in their communities. Implementing…

This study evaluated acquisition, preference, and generalization of two forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during functional communication training (FCT) with two students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acquisition of FCT responses, using a picture-based communication system and speech-generating device (SGD; Apple…

While increasing the equitable participation in computer science (CS) education at schools, most existing studies focus on the acquisition of computational skills and measurements of cognitive skills as the learning outcome. The potential benefits of developing psychosocial attributes in the process of computational learning are of less concern,…

Schools need effective, generalizable, and socially valid social skills interventions to better support the social inclusion and peer relationships of their students on the autism spectrum. We evaluated a Pivotal Response Treatment-based, naturalistic social skills intervention implemented daily by school personnel in reverse inclusion school…