ERIC Number: EJ1441292
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2329-5724
EISSN: N/A
Breaking Barriers and Fostering Neurodiversity Awareness in Elementary Education through Inclusive Children's Literature
Sharon Amador
Texas Education Review, v12 n2 p43-60 2024
Teachers are essential in ensuring children and society are aware of neurodiversity by actively incorporating inclusive children's literature into their classroom activities to promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. Integrating such literature may enhance children's awareness and acceptance of neurodiverse individuals. Many teachers encounter barriers to promoting neurodiversity awareness through this medium. This paper draws upon Vygotsky's sociocultural theory (1962) to analyze teachers' perceptions and beliefs concerning neurodiversity and their practices for using children's literature to promote neurodiversity awareness. This qualitative research study investigated the barriers teachers face in promoting neurodiversity awareness. Data collection involved semi-structured face-to-face interviews with eight K-2 grade teachers. A thematic analysis was used for interpretation. The findings indicate inadequate teacher knowledge and understanding, lack of collaborative professional development, and limited access to appropriate educational resources are significant barriers to promoting neurodiversity awareness in classroom activities through inclusive children's literature.
Descriptors: Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Elementary Education, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Knowledge Level, Barriers, Childrens Literature, Inclusion, Consciousness Raising, Teacher Education Programs, Faculty Development
Texas Education Review. Available from: University of Texas at Austin, George I. Sanchez Building, 1912 Speedway, Austin, TX 78705. Tel: 512-471-7551; Fax: 512-471-5975; e-mail: txedreview@utexas.edu; Web site: https://review.education.utexas.edu/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Grade 1; Grade 2
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A