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Evaluating NRC’s Recommendations for Educating Children with Autism a Decade Later

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Abstract

Background

Over a decade ago, the National Research Council (NRC) published the influential book, Educating Children with Autism.

Objective

To survey parents and state-level special education administrators to evaluate how NRC’s recommendations, as published in Educating Children with Autism, have impacted educational practices for children with autism in the US.

Methods

149 parents of children with autism and 35 state-level special education administrators from 35 states were surveyed on the degree to which they agreed with NRC’s recommendations and the degree to which they believed NRC’s recommendations have been implemented.

Results

Parents and administrators agreed with most NRC recommendations; however, disagreements between parents and administrators were evident regarding labeling of students with autism, intensity of services, and training of staff. Conversely, parents and administrators concurred that the recommendations had been poorly to modestly implemented, overall. Lowest levels of implementation were found for training of qualified staff, research-based curricula, and mental health supports for families. Qualitative analysis of parents’ comments highlighted that vigorous advocacy was necessary for their children to receive appropriate services consistent with NRC’s recommendations.

Conclusions

Over a decade following publication of Educating Children with Autism, most of NRC’s recommendations have not been fully implemented. Policy makers should focus particular attention on improving professional training, disseminating research-based practices, and providing mental health supports for families.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychological, Organizational and Leadership Studies, Temple University, Ritter Annex 283 1301 C. B. Moore Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA

    Matt Tincani, S. Kenneth Thurman, Mark R. Snyder & Catherine M. McCarthy

  2. Department of Teaching and Learning, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Maia Bloomfield Cucchiarra

Authors
  1. Matt Tincani
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  2. Maia Bloomfield Cucchiarra
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  3. S. Kenneth Thurman
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  4. Mark R. Snyder
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  5. Catherine M. McCarthy
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Correspondence to S. Kenneth Thurman.

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Tincani, M., Cucchiarra, M.B., Thurman, S.K. et al. Evaluating NRC’s Recommendations for Educating Children with Autism a Decade Later. Child Youth Care Forum 43, 315–337 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-013-9240-z

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