Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

A Researcher’s Story of Assessing Motor Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Casey M. Breslin (Author) Temple University image/svg+xml
    Casey M. Breslin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Temple University. Her research interests explore the fundamental motor skill development, motor planning, and physical activity habits of typically developing children and children with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Alice M. Buchanan (Author) Auburn University image/svg+xml
    Alice M. Buchanan is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology at Auburn University. Her research, teaching, and outreach are exemplified in programs that she conducts with school-age children in schools and after-school programs. Most of her work is with populations that are considered underserved. Her scholarly agenda involves service-learning and issues of social justice in movement settings; and the use of positive behavior supports in physical education.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.258
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore and interpret a researcher’s experiences while conducting motor skill assessments of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The first author and participant-researcher was, at the time of the study, a kinesiology doctoral candidate studying motor behavior. The second author, an associate professor of kinesiology, was the interviewer. Data were captured through interviews, transcribed, and analyzed by bracketing, constructing, and contextualizing (Denzin, 1989). The three major themes that emerged were Participant Emotions, Research Protocols, and Children’s Behavior. The participant-researcher experienced enjoyment and frustration for the research process, and sympathized with the children. A second theme matched the three protocols in the dissertation: traditional-full sentences, picture schedule, and task cards. Finally, a third theme addressed her perceptions of children’s behaviors.
Keywords
Autism, Behavior Problems, Child Behavior, Emotional Response, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Psychological Patterns
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There are 25 references in total.
How to Cite
Breslin, C. M., & Buchanan, A. M. (2014). A Researcher’s Story of Assessing Motor Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 9(3), 201-217. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.258

Fall 2014

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted August 27, 2014
  • Published October 15, 2014
  • Issue Fall 2014
  • Section Articles
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