Background: The finding of positive outcomes at the group level for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who complete comprehensive early intervention programmes often masks considerable individual variability. We therefore aimed to identify subgroups of children based on their response to intervention and to compare outcome variables…

In typical development, emergent literacy skills predict successful reading abilities. Code-related literacy skills may include letter knowledge, print concepts, early writing and early phonological awareness. Meaning-related literacy skills may include lexical and grammatical ability, story retelling and comprehension. Children with ASD (autism…

Many studies have shown that children with Autism Spectrum Disorders show lack of skills using social and communication skills. However, they understand, assimilate and retain better information using virtual aids. Therefore, the objective of this study has been to assess the effectiveness of an augmented reality training program based on visual…

This study investigated the effects of four behavior-change techniques for caregivers implementing a 15-week literacy intervention with their children with language impairment. Techniques include modeling, encouragement, feedback, and rewards. Random assignment within a factorial experimental design was used to determine which behavior-change…

Emergent literacy skills are thought to develop through transactional relationships between child characteristics and environmental variables. Child characteristics suggested to contribute to literacy learning include speech and language development, cognitive processing profile, social-communication skills, joint engagement, and the absence of…

Multimedia computer programmes have been found to facilitate learning in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, the effectiveness of these resources is limited due to poor design or a lack of consideration of the ASD cognitive profile, particularly at the lower functioning end of the spectrum. This article attempts to tackle the…

It is often a challenge for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as it is for many individuals with disabilities, to participate in activities such as physical education class or community sports with typically developing peers. As such, activities that do not require high skill levels and team environments have been recommended for…

Many of the top 21st century careers require advanced mathematics skills. However, mathematics is a known area of difficulty for students with disabilities (SWD), as they struggle in this area at a higher rate than peers without disabilities (O'Brien, 2016). Mathematical word problems incorporate comprehension of written language, an area known to…

Although matrix training is an intervention technique designed to promote generative language, it has not been applied widely to toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) despite the benefits it may have for this young population. We investigated the use of matrix training to teach generative receptive language to toddlers with ASD and other…

The purpose of this quasi-experimental research study was to evaluate the effectiveness of art therapy for teaching social skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The program we tested was structured to provide a therapeutic setting for children to discuss difficulties they experience in their social interactions, and give them…

The efficacy of delivering autism-focused Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA) training within a six-session professional development (PD) framework was investigated with 23 Australian educators. FBA knowledge, self-efficacy (SE), and confidence were measured pre-to-post-PD series as markers of educator ability to address the challenging…

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are faced with significant barriers relating to employment opportunities and workplace participation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Walker social skills curriculum: the ACCESS program and video modeling to increase social communication skills necessary for workplace inclusion.…

Educators and practitioners working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are concerned with deficits in positive affect and social-emotional reciprocity, which may affect their daily living and school success. This pilot study explored the social-emotional impact of eight one-hour sessions of a novel dyadic within-group…

Students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) may have difficulties with writing despite average or above-average intellectual ability. We designed an intervention strategy (Draw, Sentence, Detail, Check) to improve the ability of an 8-year-old with HFASD to write elaborated sentences in response to written prompts. We…

This article evaluates the effects of an individualized intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on the principles of the DIR/FloortimeTM model, which encourages caregivers to follow their child's emotions and interests and to interact with them in a natural social environment to help children develop social…