ERIC Number: EJ1487386
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0957-5146
EISSN: EISSN-1472-4421
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Peer-Mediated Education and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Preschool Inclusive Programs: The Power of Games
Early Years: An International Journal of Research and Development, v45 n2 p334-348 2025
This study investigated how peer-mediated structured game activities changed and improved peer relations in an inclusive preschool classroom for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A case study was used in which 17 typically developing (TD) children aged 60-71 months, a 66-month-old boy diagnosed with ASD and the preschool teacher participated. Data were collected before and after peer-mediated structured game activities. The peer tutors engaged in structured activities with the child with ASD for six months. Interviews and observations, picture sociometry, researcher's diary, teacher's diary, and structured play were used to collect the data. The findings revealed significant differences in participants' functional skills before and after the peer-mediated structured game activities. It was observed that the TD children and the boy with ASD improved their social, emotional, and language skills. Children played together for longer. Play time increased, the number of participating children increased. Typically developing children cooperated more and assumed more responsibility. The child with ASD tried to produce meaningful words and participation in play activities was observed. In addition, the peer-mediated structured activities positively supported the teacher's classroom management and classroom climate. In addition, the teacher's level of practical knowledge improved.
Descriptors: Peer Relationship, Inclusion, Students with Disabilities, Preschool Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Games, Peer Teaching, Program Effectiveness, Skill Development, Social Development, Emotional Development, Language Skills, Cooperation, Foreign Countries
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Child Development, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey; 2Early Childhood Education, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey

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