ASC in mainstream education: specialist programmes

Question 1

What is the specialist programme for autism?

Answer 1

TEACH

Question 2

What does TEACH involve?

Answer 2

Not one technique uses multiple to help those with ASC but focuses on visual aids

• focuses on the individual
• helps people understand the culture
• using visual structures to organise environment
• being flexible and teaching flexibly

Question 3

Panerai et al (2009)

Answer 3

compared TEACH in residential and mainstream schools to a non-specific education organisation

found:
teach in mainstream involved training for all lead to increased communication

significantly better improvements socially and cognitively with TEACH

Question 4

What does Panerai et al (2009) say about inclusion?

Answer 4

it is not enough

mainstream schools need to adapt structured teaching to create the appropriate environment for all to develop in

Question 5

What are the effects if inclusion works?

Answer 5

improved quality of life, educational performance and social development of autistic children

increased social awareness and tolerance

relief of some financial burden on educational psychological and health services

Question 6

Moore

Answer 6

Integration can be problematic

- may be academically able but doesn’t mean mainstream is right for them socially, environmentally or behaviourally

Question 7

McGregor and Campbell (2001) views on inclusion

Answer 7

Two rights in conflict

1) right to inclusion
2) right to most appropriate education

fully inclusive schooling has been promoted as a right to all but is it actually the best environment for all to learn in?

Question 8

Humphrey and Lewis (2008)

Answer 8

pupils view on inclusion
‘i’d prefer it if they didn’t know’
‘they treat me differently’

Question 9

Ochs (2001)

Answer 9

mainstream placements can make people seem more isolated and rejected

Question 10

Emam and Farrell (2009)

Answer 10

Teachers view on integration
Teachers made it clear that TAs are essential for successful integration
30 students different needs for each

Question 11

McGregor and Campbell (2001)

Answer 11

benefits for autistic children - socially

problems for autistic - less attention/understanding/bullying/anxiety

benefits for mainstream students - compassion, tolerance, awareness

problems for mainstream students - not understanding, disruption of learning

Question 12

Stats for McGregor and Campbell (2001)

Answer 12

47% specialist staff thought integration was good

78% said success of integration depends on staff attitudes

89% of inexperienced staff thought couldn’t teach autistics

40% of experienced staff thought couldn’t teach autistics

78% experienced willing to do a training day

56% inexperienced willing to do a training day