Autism Knowledge among Pre-Service Teachers Specialized in Children Birth through Age Five
- 1 September 2012
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in American Journal of Health Education
- Vol. 43 (5), 279-287
- https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2012.10599246
Abstract
Background: Autism prevalence has grown dramatically. Early interventions are effective in helping children with autism develop behavior patterns similar to children without the condition. It is important for health educators and teachers to recognize common autism symptoms among preschool children so they will benefit from early intervention. Purpose: To examine autism knowledge among pre-service teachers specialized in children birth through age five (B-5). Method: After an IRB approval was obtained, a self-administered paper-pencil survey was conducted in four undergraduate B-5 programs in the Southeastern United States. Data were collected from 148 of the 176 preservice B-5 teachers. Results: The mean age was 32 and 139 (93.9%) were female. 75.0% of the participants had limited experience interacting with autistic children. The mean score of perceived knowledge was 3.7 on a 7-point Likert scale with 7 being very knowledgeable and 1 being no knowledge. The mean actual knowledge score was 19.1 out of 26. Discussion: Many participants lacked autism knowledge, which is influenced by age, perceived autism knowledge, past experience in working with autistic children and the number of sources where participants received autism information. Translation to Health Education: Health educators should plan, implement, administer and manage health education, especially autism education, for B-5 teacher preparation programs.Keywords
This publication has 21 references indexed in Scilit:
- Autism Spectrum DisordersAmerican Journal of Health Education, 2011
- The prevalence of obesity in children with autism: a secondary data analysis using nationally representative data from the National Survey of Children's HealthBMC Pediatrics, 2010
- Clinical and anatomical heterogeneity in autistic spectrum disorder: a structural MRI studyPsychological Medicine, 2009
- Inclusion Means Everyone! The Role of the Early Childhood Educator when Including Young Children with Autism in the ClassroomEarly Childhood Education Journal, 2008
- The importance of physician knowledge of autism spectrum disorder: results of a parent surveyBMC Pediatrics, 2007
- Screening for autism in young children: The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M‐CHAT) and other measuresMental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 2005
- Coping and Social Support for Parents of Children with AutismThe Journal of School Nursing, 2005
- Incidence of autism spectrum disorders: Changes over time and their meaning*Acta Paediatrica, 2005
- Early detection of core deficits in autismMental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 2004
- Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among Connecticut School Speech—Language PathologistsFocus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 2004