This book presents an international research-based framework that has empowered parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become critical decision makers to actively guide their child’s learning and self-advocacy. Parents can use this framework to identify their child’s vision and dreams, and to work with educators and service providers to establish specific learning goals and to implement effective interventions and programs that enable their child to achieve those goals and realise their vision for the future. The book begins by reviewing available research on evidence-based practice for children with ASD and outlining the Cycle of Learning decision-making framework for parents and professionals. Throughout the remainder of the book, case studies are presented to illustrate the ways in which different parents have successfully utilised this framework to develop effective plans for their child and to advocate for learning and education programs for both their child and other children with ASD in school and community settings. In addition, it highlights concrete examples of how parents have used the framework to empower their children with ASD to develop their self-awareness and self-determination, and to be able to self-advocate as they move through adolescence and into adult life.

This dissertation, "The Relationship Between Teacher Self-efficacy, Beliefs and Teaching Practices for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Hong Kong Mainstream Kindergartens" by Ka-wei, Elsa, Ling, 林家慧, was obtained from The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong) and is being sold pursuant to Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 Hong Kong License. The content of this dissertation has not been altered in any way. We have altered the formatting in order to facilitate the ease of printing and reading of the dissertation. All rights not granted by the above license are retained by the author. Abstract: According to the Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) proposed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), early childhood education programme should be able to promote social competence of children through play, child-centered and interactive group activity. The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased tremendously over the last two decades. Both the Hong Kong Education Bureau and NAEYC advocate a play-based and child-centred teaching approach and believe that applying the approach in pre-primary education programmes can provide more socialization opportunities to young children including children with ASD enrolling in integrated programmes in mainstream kindergartens. To what extent does Hong Kong kindergarten teachers of integrated programmes with children with ASD apply the DAP beliefs in actual practices in inclusive classroom? To what extent does Hong Kong kindergarten teacher's self-efficacy for inclusive practices mediate the relationship between their DAP beliefs and teaching practices in inclusive classroom? How are teacher qualifications and work experiences related to teacher self-efficacy and their DAP teaching practices in kindergarten inclusive classroom? One hundred and forty four Hong Kong kindergarten teachers of inclusive classes with children with ASD participated in the study. Teacher Self-efficacy Scale (TSE), Teacher Belief and Practices Survey (TBS) and the Instructional Activities Scale (IAS), were used to measure teacher self-efficacy, DAP beliefs and teaching practices in inclusive classroom respectively. Items specific to catering for children with ASD were included in each scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to validate the three scales used. Results of path analysis using structural equation modelling showed that teacher self-efficacy had a significant mediating effect on the relationship of teacher DAP beliefs and teaching practices. Efficacious teachers were more likely to adhere to their DAP beliefs and conduct more child-centered activities for both groups of typically developed children and children with ASD. Correlation suggested that teacher self-efficacy is related to both work experiences and DAP teaching practices. Experienced teachers had higher level of teacher self-efficacy and more likely to confront challenges in inclusive classes than less experienced teachers. ANCOVA results showed that the main effect of teacher qualifications on both DAP beliefs and teaching practices were not significant. Yet, teachers who received training in programmes concentrated on pre-primary inclusive and special education were found to have higher teacher self-efficacy than those who had not undergone those training. While the enhancement of teachers' teaching skills and knowledge is an essential element in any teacher training programme, the empowerment of teacher self-efficacy is equally important. Overall, the findings in the present study underscore the importance of teacher self-efficacy in understanding teacher DAP beliefs and teaching practices in inclusive classroom in Hong Kong kindergartens. Subjects: Children with autism spectrum disorders - Education (Early childhood) - China - Hong Kong Kindergarten teachers - China - Hong Kong - Attitudes

According to the CDC, one in fifty American children is diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder. This means more school-aged children are entering classrooms with ASDs and teachers are being called upon to help facilitate their learning. Educating Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is aimed at providing strategies for teachers, school counselors, and psychologists to help address the needs of children on the spectrum, as well as their families. Erin E. Barton and Beth Harn draw on current research and practices to discuss the possible causes of autism and to help prepare educators not only for teaching children in the classroom but also for providing families with the tools necessary to continue the educational process at home. Included are topics such as: Improving communication and socialization Developing instructive lessons Assessing students' progress Including families in educational goals Finding students' special interests and using those to help facilitate learning Managing challenging behavior And more Including forms, charts, and a range of classroom activities, this is the only resource you will need to gain the insight and tools for making a difference in the educational lives of young children with autism.

Children who have autism require comprehensive educational and treatment services. There are a myriad of approaches currently recommended to practitioners and parents, but little is known about their efficacy. Which are the most effective in teaching skills, overcoming behavior challenges, and improving quality of life? Methods must be based in research settings, but be easily extended to real world settings where children with autism live, go to school, socialize, and recreate. Identifying and validating effective practices is a complex and multi-faceted process, but an essential one for responsible research and practice. This book brings together multiple and contemporary perspectives on intervention effectiveness for autism education and behavior support. With contributors from a variety of disciplines and orientations, Effective Practices for Children with Autism presents a critical appraisal of current practice standards, emphasizing empirically supported procedures and research-to-practice applications. By bringing together a diverse group of authors, the editors have ensured that the vast field of information on interventions for children with autism is thoroughly examined, and that no topic has gone untouched. Written for practitioners, research scientists, and clinicians, the book is an essential framework for evaluating educational and treatment procedures, selecting those that are most effective, and evaluating outcomes.

Abstract: Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present different needs to special education teachers in school today. Without the proper supports and preparation, 75% of special education teachers will leave the field of special education within the first ten years of teaching, with most of the teachers leaving the field within the first three years (Council for Exceptional Children, 2014). Without appropriate interventions, children with ASD are at risk of falling behind their same-aged peers throughout school or making progress towards IEP goals (Lovaas, 1987; Leaf & McEachin, 1999). This study explores the types of preparation: 1) formal education, 2) experiences with people with ASD, and 3) support from administration or an expert in the field of ASD and how it may impact special education teacher self-efficacy. Through the lens of Bandura’s (1977) self-efficacy framework and applying it to special education teachers, a survey design study was employed. The on-line survey, adapted from the ASSET (Ruble, Usher, & McGrew, 2011), teachers were asked to rate their level of confidence to thirty questions specifically related to needs of students with ASD and how they feel they were best prepared for that skill between formal education, experience and support. Fifty-six responses were received but only 36 surveys were used due to completeness. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to find the mean differences on the global self-efficacy scores of special education teachers and the mode of three types of preparation. No statistical significance was found to be a greater predictor of special education teacher self-efficacy. However, some descriptive data provided information on differences between special education teacher high and low self-efficacy, skills that are better prepared by various types of preparation and recommendations on how to apply Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory to help support special education self-efficacy during beginning teacher induction.

Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Partnering with Families for Positive Outcomes focuses on practical strategies for educating children with autism spectrum disorders in the classroom. Additional features describe how to partner with families in the implementation of many of the strategies, giving voice to parents, based on recent quantitative and qualitative research. Case studies developed from real interviews with parents and educators open each chapter, and the book focuses on what "works" and what "does not work" in their collaborative experiences.