Autistic-like features and functional somatic symptoms (FSS) frequently co-occur. It remains unknown how autistic-like features and FSS affect each other and develop throughout adolescence. This study examined reciprocal relations between autistic-like features and FSS in adolescence. Participants were 2772 adolescents (52.5% male) from the…

Autistic students demonstrate poor academic performance which may be related to challenges in learning behaviors such as organization, planning, study skills, and so forth. Most studies report on summary scores; however, there may be value in understanding specific strengths and challenges to better inform assessment and intervention efforts. The…

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a peer mediated intervention to increase social communication acts of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Utilizing a single-subject A-B design across four peer dyads, I examined the overall effectiveness of the intervention in relation to specific nonverbal,…

Purpose: Whereas the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition"(DSM-5) characterizes autism as a neurological disorder typified by impairment in social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), the neurodiversity paradigm focuses on autism as a form…

Functional communication training (FCT) is a well-established, evidence-based practice used to address challenging behavior among individuals across settings, ages, and disability categories. However, the research is limited on the implementation of FCT in inclusive school settings for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The…

Find the answers to all your autism-related questions in "The General Education Teacher's Guide to Autism: Essential Answers to Key Questions." From this informative, dynamic resource, you will collect practical strategies to address the common challenges facing these neurodiverse students in an inclusive environment, while also learning…