Graduation Date
5-2014
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department or Program
Education
Department or Program Chair
Elizabeth Truesdell PhD
First Reader
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
The incidence of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) continues to rise in our elementary schools. With this increase, more and more children with ASD are present and requiring services in public school classrooms. As teachers and parents we need to know how to provide classroom interventions in order to optimize learning with this group of children, and be able to successfully integrate these students within our classrooms and schools. In order to accomplish this, we need to explore effective strategies to produce positive learning and behavior outcomes. The literature selected and researched for the purpose of this proposal supports using effective teaching strategies with measureable results for our students on the autism spectrum. The sampling groups chosen for the research are the professionals who are currently using effective treatment methods with autistic children in the classroom setting. Results indicate a wide variety of treatment strategies that address social and communicative, behavioral, and academic needs for students on the Autistic Spectrum. Although there are several promising practices occurring within classrooms, this proposal focuses primarily on evidence based practices that demonstrate successful outcomes for students within an inclusive setting.