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Educators Describe the 'Best Things' about Students with Autism at School

Authors :
Pat Mirenda
Anat Zaidman-Zait
Katherine Tombeau Cost
Isabel M. Smith
Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
Eric Duku
Connor Kerns
Stelios Georgiades
Tracy Vaillancourt
Mayada Elsabbagh
Teresa Bennett
Peter Szatmari
Source :
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2024 54(1):1-17.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

This study examined educators' descriptions of the positive character traits of students with autism spectrum disorder at ages 7-8 and 10-11, using an adapted version of the Values in Action (VIA) Classification of Strengths. The most commonly endorsed strengths at both age intervals were kindness, specific skills, self-regulation, and perseverance. Higher scores for challenging behavior were associated with a lower likelihood of endorsement for Happiness and Courage traits. Higher autism symptom severity scores were associated with a lower likelihood of endorsement for Courage traits. Few significant differences were found for endorsement of trait categories by students' educational placement or the type of curriculum they received. Results may have implications for student-teacher relationships, educational assessments, and school-based interventions that emphasize strengths and resilience.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0162-3257 and 1573-3432
Volume :
54
Issue :
1
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1407427
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05761-2