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

Articles

Structured Play Groups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Critical Review

David Adams, PhD, Scott McNamara, PhD, Melissa Bittner, PhD, Jill Pawlowski, PhD, Kelly Hangauer
  • David Adams, PhD (Author) Humboldt State University image/svg+xml
    David Adams, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Kinesiology and Recreation Administration Department at Humboldt State University. David’s research interests includes improving the academic experience of children with disabilities, as well as improving teaching practices in higher education.
  • Scott McNamara, PhD (Author) University of Norther Iowa image/svg+xml
    Scott W. T. McNamara, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of Northern Iowa who teaches physical education and adapted physical education courses. Dr McNamara's research interests include: improving awareness of the importance of APE, podcasting, educational leadership and best practices in adapted physical education.
  • Melissa Bittner, PhD (Author) California State University Long Beach Humboldt State University image/svg+xml
    Melissa Bittner, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Long Beach. She is the APE Coordinator and directs several on-campus service-learning programs including Camp Nugget, Transition Practicum, and the After School Adapted Physical-activity Program. Melissa’s research interest is in the area of improved motor performance for youth with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Jill Pawlowski, PhD (Author) Humboldt State University
    Jill Pawlowski, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Recreation Administration at Humboldt State University. Jill's research interests include health disparities and physical activity programming for individuals with disabilities.
  • Kelly Hangauer (Author) University of Iowa image/svg+xml
    Kelly Hangauer, MLS, is the liaison librarian to Education, Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Linguistics at the University of Iowa.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.477
Abstract
Delays in social and communication skills are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Structured play groups (SPGs) was deemed an evidence-based practice (EBP) for children with ASD. A critical review of research published within the past 16 years and accessible in four databases was conducted with a total of 3,153 articles identified of which 15 were determined to have met inclusion criteria. A total of 163 participants from 3 to 12 years of age were reported on within the articles evaluated. Of the 15 articles, 12 implemented a single-subject design and 14 of the 15 interventions were implemented within the natural settings of the participants. Findings provide a fuller understanding of the efficacy of SPGs for children with ASD. Additionally, this review demonstrates positive results in a variety of settings, as well as an in-depth evaluation of the inclusion and training of the typically developing peers.
Keywords
Autism, Children, Evidence Based Practice, Group Activities, Intervention, Pervasive Developmental Disorders
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How to Cite
Adams, D., McNamara, S., Bittner, M., Pawlowski, J., & Hangauer, K. (2022). Structured Play Groups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Critical Review. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 17(1), 7-26. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.477

Winter 2022

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted January 8, 2022
  • Published February 15, 2022
  • Issue Winter 2022
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