Teaching Children with Autism in Small Groups with Students Who are At-Risk for Academic Problems: Effects on Academic and Social Behaviors

Students with ASD are often taught in individual instructional arrangements, even when they receive educational services in inclusive settings. Providing intervention in small group arrangements may increase opportunities for social interactions, particularly when these opportunities are systematically planned. In this study, academic instruction was conducted in small groups consisting of one student with ASD and peers who were socially competent but at risk for academic failure. All students learned targeted academic behaviors and increased their use of targeted social behaviors during instructional sessions. Generalization of social behaviors to a less-structured context was variable. Results suggest that small group instruction may be a feasible and preferred alternative to individual instruction for students with ASD.