Running head: THE SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC CHALLENGES 1
The Social and Academic Challenges Affecting Students with Autism
Joshua Stendts
Genesee Community College
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder that comes in several forms and cannot be described in any one way. In general, this developmental disability is characterized by impaired social communication and social interaction skills, as well as impairments that affect social functioning. This includes interests, activities, and behavior, both socially and academically. This paper aims to discuss the social and academic challenges faced by students who have autism spectrum disorder. These challenges include difficulty making and keeping friendships, …show more content…
One way is through peer-mediated interventions. These interventions limit demands placed on educators and promote the use of social skills by using other students as intervention agents (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). In peer-mediated interventions, peers are trained to initiate social interactions and respond to social initiations (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). Peer-mediated interventions have been found to be an effective way to address issues with social skills in a wide range of students with autism spectrum disorder. This includes both boys and girls, from preschool through high school. A benefit of using these interventions is that they provide students with opportunities to learn and practice social skills in a natural social situation (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). According to the National Standards Report from the National Autism Center, “peer-mediated interventions are considered established treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder” (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). Research has found that peer-mediated interventions are effective at increasing a variety of social skills, including communication, initiations, joint attention, taking turns, and maintaining these interactions (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). Research has also shown that peer-mediated interventions have been effective in decreasing inappropriate social behaviors, such as changing conversation topics, not responding, and inappropriate talking (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). As you can see, initiating peer-mediated interventions at schools are an effective way to help students with autism spectrum
The Social and Academic Challenges Affecting Students with Autism
Joshua Stendts
Genesee Community College
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a disorder that comes in several forms and cannot be described in any one way. In general, this developmental disability is characterized by impaired social communication and social interaction skills, as well as impairments that affect social functioning. This includes interests, activities, and behavior, both socially and academically. This paper aims to discuss the social and academic challenges faced by students who have autism spectrum disorder. These challenges include difficulty making and keeping friendships, …show more content…
One way is through peer-mediated interventions. These interventions limit demands placed on educators and promote the use of social skills by using other students as intervention agents (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). In peer-mediated interventions, peers are trained to initiate social interactions and respond to social initiations (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). Peer-mediated interventions have been found to be an effective way to address issues with social skills in a wide range of students with autism spectrum disorder. This includes both boys and girls, from preschool through high school. A benefit of using these interventions is that they provide students with opportunities to learn and practice social skills in a natural social situation (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). According to the National Standards Report from the National Autism Center, “peer-mediated interventions are considered established treatments for individuals with autism spectrum disorder” (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). Research has found that peer-mediated interventions are effective at increasing a variety of social skills, including communication, initiations, joint attention, taking turns, and maintaining these interactions (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). Research has also shown that peer-mediated interventions have been effective in decreasing inappropriate social behaviors, such as changing conversation topics, not responding, and inappropriate talking (Battaglia & Radley, 2014). As you can see, initiating peer-mediated interventions at schools are an effective way to help students with autism spectrum