Modular Approach for Autism Programs in Schools

Description

The number of students aged 6-21 years with an educational classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States grew by about 19 times over a 19-year period-from 29,076 in 1995-6 to 545,198 in 2014-2015 (IDEA Data Center, 2018). Meeting the needs of this growing population of students is a significant concern for schools (Bowen, 2014). Investigators have described as many as 27 efficacious intervention strategies for teaching new skills to children with ASD (Wong et al., 2015). However, these strategies are only rarely implemented in schools. In a survey of 185 teachers across the state of Georgia working with at least one student with ASD, fewer than 5% reported using an evidence-based intervention (Hess, Morrier, Heflin, \& Ivey, 2008). To address gaps in current practice for students with ASD, there is a need for (1) a process for selecting and implementing interventions that can address the multi-faceted needs of students with ASD and (2) a service-delivery system that is feasible, flexible, durable, effective, and sustainable in schools. The investigators hypothesize that The Modular Approach for Autism Programs in Schools (MAAPS), an individualized, comprehensive modular intervention system, will address this gap. MAAPS integrates evidence-based strategies to address core and associated features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to enhance the success of elementary students with ASD in schools. The primary aim is to evaluate whether, compared to services as usual, MAAPS improves teacher outcomes and subsequent student educational outcomes.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The number of students aged 6-21 years with an educational classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States grew by about 19 times over a 19-year period-from 29,076 in 1995-6 to 545,198 in 2014-2015 (IDEA Data Center, 2018). Meeting the needs of this growing population of students is a significant concern for schools (Bowen, 2014). Investigators have described as many as 27 efficacious intervention strategies for teaching new skills to children with ASD (Wong et al., 2015). However, these strategies are only rarely implemented in schools. In a survey of 185 teachers across the state of Georgia working with at least one student with ASD, fewer than 5% reported using an evidence-based intervention (Hess, Morrier, Heflin, \& Ivey, 2008). To address gaps in current practice for students with ASD, there is a need for (1) a process for selecting and implementing interventions that can address the multi-faceted needs of students with ASD and (2) a service-delivery system that is feasible, flexible, durable, effective, and sustainable in schools. The investigators hypothesize that The Modular Approach for Autism Programs in Schools (MAAPS), an individualized, comprehensive modular intervention system, will address this gap. MAAPS integrates evidence-based strategies to address core and associated features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to enhance the success of elementary students with ASD in schools. The primary aim is to evaluate whether, compared to services as usual, MAAPS improves teacher outcomes and subsequent student educational outcomes.

Modular Approach for Autism Programs in Schools

Modular Approach for Autism Programs in Schools

Condition
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Tampa

University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States, 33612

Randolph

Kaitlin M Gould, Randolph, Massachusetts, United States, 02368

Rochester

University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States, 14642

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Educational classification of autism spectrum disorder
  • * Attending a public elementary school (K-6th grade)
  • * Attending school in person at least one day per week
  • * No planned changes in school placement or core team members in upcoming school year
  • * Parents/guardians able to participate in study-related activities (e.g., informed consent process and completion of study measures)
  • * Child's teacher consents to participate
  • * Profound vision or hearing loss
  • * Motor disabilities such as cerebral palsy
  • * Genetic disorder known to be associated with ASD such as Fragile X, Down Syndrome, tuberous sclerosis

Ages Eligible for Study

5 Years to 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

May Institute,

Cynthia Anderson, PhD, BCBA-D-D, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, May Institute

Study Record Dates

2024-06