Autism in the Classroom
An Educator Support and Training Program
Kathy Corbett
Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
Abstract
This paper explores the need for a faculty support and training program for early childhood through 12th grade (EC-12) teachers who encounter, or will potentially encounter, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in their classrooms. Although limited research has been done on the efficacy of teacher training programs and teacher stress/anxiety related to ASD, there is some evidence to suggest that an educator training programs can reduce perceived student behavior problems and teacher stress. (Probst, P. & Leppert, T., 2008) Even basic level training of evidence-based practices has been found to increase knowledge and awareness of ASD and reduce the educator's overall anxiety and stress in inclusion settings. (Leblanc, L., Richardson, W., & Burns, K. A. 2009)After identifying the global need, this paper than discusses the proposal of such a support and training program for teachers, and its desired effects.
Autism in the Classroom: An Educator Support and Training Program
Autism and ASD are complex disorders that effect brain development. Although much research is dedicated to finding a cause, it is still unknown. With statistics showing 1 in 88 children affected by Autism (1 in 54 for boys), it is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. (Autism Speaks, 2013) With the prevalence figures growing, it is of importance that educators not only better understand how to educate, but also how to cope with this population in the education system. According to the Texas Education Agency, the number of student’s receiving special education services under the label “AU” for autism has increased over forty percent in the just the last three years. (Coman, D.C., 2010)
Not only is the prevalence of Autism greatly increasing, the prevalence of the disability is greatly increasing into a new environment,...