Abstract

Recent data from the CDC has indicated that Autism is on the rise. As more and more individuals are diagnosed with Autism it is necessary to start thinking of what the best ways are to include these individuals into society. Schools are one key component of society that can be targeted to promote inclusion and positive attitudes tend to foster the best results for inclusion; for this reason it is important to take into consideration the attitudes of peers and teachers when considering inclusion. To test differences in attitudes towards the school inclusion of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 97 participants were surveyed. This sample was made up of four different groups. Two groups included students enrolled in a class that gave them the opportunity to work in nearby public schools for a portion of the semester; the fall semester class was surveyed after they had completed their field experience, the spring class was surveyed prior to their field experience. The third group was made up of college students from the general student body and the final group consisted of teachers. Results indicated that there were differences in attitudes amongst the groups. Students enrolled in the class and who completed the survey after their field experience tended to express the most positive views towards the inclusion of individuals with ASD while teachers held the least positive views.

Advisor

Wilhelms, Evan

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Psychology | School Psychology

Keywords

inclusion, autism spectrum disorder, school mainstreaming, autism

Publication Date

2018

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2018 Minerva Vidaurrazaga Serrano