More than 120 years ago, Dr. Maria Montessori implemented an individualized curriculum rooted in meeting the needs and building on the strengths of children (Montessori, 1964). Currently, children from infancy through adolescence attend Montessori schools in both private and public settings. Though no statistics have been compiled on the number of…

Viewing all children as active participants in their own learning is central to inclusion. That children with atypical development experience a level of belonging that enables this in mainstream early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings remains a topic of hot debate and very much an unmet goal across the sector. Children with autism…

This study examined maintenance of treatment effects in a culturally tailored parent education program for Latinx families of children with autism spectrum disorder using a behavior maintenance framework. In a two-site randomized waitlist-control study, we compared differences in parent and child outcomes across three timepoints using linear mixed…

Social impairment represents one of the most challenging core deficits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and greatly affects children's school experiences; however, few evidence-based social engagement programs have been implemented and sustained in schools. This pilot study examined the implementation and sustainment of a social engagement…

Social communication skills are considered a core deficit in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Evidence-based practices that have emerged to address these critical skills in children with ASD have largely been implemented by researchers, teachers, and parents. Only recently have researchers studied paraprofessionals as…

Little is known about factors impacting poor post-school outcomes for transition-age students with autism spectrum disorder. Guided by the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment implementation science framework, we sought to better understand the interdependent impacts of policy, organizational, provider, and individual factors…

The current meta-analysis examined the use of deep touch pressure (DTP; e.g., weighted vests) with students with disabilities. DTP is a form of sensory integration therapy that is currently used extensively in schools with students with autism and other disabilities. Each study in the analysis was evaluated using the Council for Exceptional…

National statistics indicate the ongoing challenge of catering for the unique needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the context of inclusive education. Higher rates of difficulty and poorer outcomes are experienced by this cohort when compared to both the general population and others within the disability sector. The…