ERIC Number: ED576635
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
"Falling through the Cracks": Challenges for High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hedges, Susan H.; Kirby, Anne V.; Sreckovic, Melissa A.; Kucharczyk, Suzanne; Hume, Kara; Pace, Stephanie
Grantee Submission, The High School Journal v98 n1 p64-82 Fall 2014
High school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle in the complex social and academic secondary environment. Current literature suggests postsecondary success is limited for adults with ASD, but little is known about the high school experiences of individuals with ASD that may be impacting their postsecondary outcomes. Focus groups with multiple stakeholders were used to examine challenges facing high school students with ASD and their service providers. Through qualitative analysis, three themes emerged that illuminate challenges posed in the high school setting for students with ASD: (1) inconsistencies, many of which are intrinsic to the secondary environment, (2) difficulties with interpersonal connections,and (3) knowledge/process breakdowns. The findings demonstrate the misalignment or "crack" that exists between the nature of high schools and the needs of students with ASD as they prepare for success in postsecondary environments. [This report was published in "The High School Journal," (EJ1043498).]
Descriptors: Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism, High School Students, Barriers, Focus Groups, Qualitative Research, Educational Environment, Interpersonal Relationship, Knowledge Level, Student Needs, Postsecondary Education, College Students, Parent Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics, School Personnel, Secondary School Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Coding, Teacher Expectations of Students, Family Environment, Communication Problems, Teacher Role
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324C120006