An Exploration of Pre-Service Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Including Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in General Education

Mary. A. Houser, Ed.D.
Tara S. Guerriero, Ph.D.
West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Trevor O’Brien, Ed.D. 
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Ireland

This study explored pre-service teachers’ attitudes toward including students with ASD in general education. Ten participants from a mid-size teacher preparation program at a northeastern university participated in a focus group inquiry. The exploratory questions used during the focus group were derived from The Attitude Toward Inclusive Education Scale (ATIES) (Wilczenski, 1992). The Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Model of Analysis was used to identify themes. Results indicated pre-service teachers’ attitudes included both benefits and challenges associated with inclusion.   Suggestions for improving pre-service teachers’ attitudes toward including students with ASD were provided.

• To Read or Download this Article – Click Here

• To Download the WINTER 2024 Issue of JAASEP – Click Here

To top

Return to the Table of Contents – CLICK HERE