ERIC Number: EJ735479
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Aug
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
Reference Count: 0
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
Alternative Seating for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effects on Classroom Behavior
Schilling, Denise Lynn; Schwartz, Ilene S.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v34 n4 423-432 Aug 2004
A single subject, withdrawal design was used to investigate the effects of therapy balls as seating on engagement and in-seat behavior of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition, social validity was assessed to evaluate teachers' opinions regarding the intervention. During baseline and withdrawal (A phases) participants used their typical classroom seating device (chair, bench or carpet square). During the intervention (B phases) participants sat on therapy balls. Results indicated substantial improvements in engagement and in-seat behavior when participants were seated on therapy balls. Social validity findings indicated that the teachers' preferred the therapy balls. This study suggests therapy balls as classroom seating may facilitate engagement and in-seat behavior and create opportunities to provide effective instruction.
Descriptors: Young Children, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism, Student Behavior, Validity, Teacher Attitudes, Intervention, Therapy, Classroom Environment, Educational Equipment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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