ERIC Number: EJ1134016
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-3116
EISSN: N/A
Students with Autism Transitioning from Primary to Secondary Schools: Parents' Perspectives and Experiences
Tso, Michelle; Strnadová, Iva
International Journal of Inclusive Education, v21 n4 p389-403 2017
The transition from primary to high school can be a challenging process for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this time, research-based practices like home-school collaboration are crucial in facilitating a smoother transition. However, existing research indicates that the transition from primary to high school is a period of anxiety and reduced support for students with ASD and their families. This article describes the experiences of parents of students with ASD in regard to this transition and home-school collaboration. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 parents of children with ASD who attended mainstream government high schools in metropolitan Sydney. Through content analysis, parents were found to have received varying levels of transition support. Their experiences of home-school collaboration were, however, generally positive. Overall, it is recommended that parents' knowledge of their children with ASD should be prioritised and utilised in transition planning. Findings also suggest that a greater implementation of practices including mandated transition planning and home-school collaboration in schools would contribute to more authentic inclusion of students with ASD.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Adjustment (to Environment), Student Adjustment, Anxiety, Coping, Semi Structured Interviews, Family School Relationship, Parent Attitudes, High School Students, Barriers, Student Needs, Inclusion, Content Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A