ERIC Number: EJ1424978
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jun
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1053-8151
EISSN: EISSN-2154-3992
Pilot Feasibility of a Community Inclusion Preschool Program for Children with Autism
Allison Jobin; Aubyn C. Stahmer; Nora Camacho; Gina C. May; Kristin Gist; Lauren Brookman-Frazee
Journal of Early Intervention, v46 n2 p239-254 2024
Few studies have reported outcomes from the delivery of naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBI) in group-based community care. Further, while the importance of inclusion for autistic individuals is well established, there is little research on the feasibility of community-based inclusion programs for preschool-aged autistic children. Positive outcomes have been reported from a few model inclusion programs. However, most involved extensive training from researchers, with limited available data on self-sustaining community-based programs. This quasi-experimental study tracked outcomes for 31 autistic preschool-aged children with verbal and play skills close to age level, who were enrolled in a community inclusion preschool program utilizing NDBI. Children, aged 2.5 to 5 years of age at entry, attended the program for 8 to 36 months. Paired sample t-tests indicated statistically significant improvements from time 1 to time 2 on standardized measures of adaptive behavior, social skills, and autism characteristics. Implications for the feasibility of using NDBI for autistic children in inclusive preschool settings and directions for future research are discussed.
Descriptors: Preschool Children, Early Childhood Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Early Intervention, Pilot Projects, Inclusion, Community Education
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2993
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A