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

Articles

Experiences of Parents and Practitioners Working with Middle School Students with ASD During the COVID-19 School Shutdown

Kristie Asaro-Saddler, Ph.D, Heather Kurto, Ph.D., Lisa Chelkowski, M.S., Hedayat Ghazali, M.S.
  • Kristie Asaro-Saddler, Ph.D (Author)
  • Heather Kurto, Ph.D. (Author)
  • Lisa Chelkowski, M.S. (Author)
  • Hedayat Ghazali, M.S. (Author)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.515
Abstract
People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) may be especially vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their unique characteristics. This qualitative case study used interviews with instructional staff and parents to understand the experiences of both families and practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this can inform the use of virtual instruction for students with ASD. Through the lens of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (1979) we examined how the different layers of our world shifted due to the pandemic, and what influence this had on our students with a diagnosis of ASD. Findings revealed several themes of among the interview transcripts, five main themes were observed: COVID-19, conflict of no control versus freedom, setting, technology use and preparation, and perspective.
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorders, COVID-19, Educational Environment, Middle School Students, Mothers, Pandemics
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How to Cite
Asaro-Saddler, K., Kurto, H., Chelkowski, L., & Ghazali, H. (2023). Experiences of Parents and Practitioners Working with Middle School Students with ASD During the COVID-19 School Shutdown. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 18(1), 131-161. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.515

Winter 2023

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted December 25, 2022
  • Published February 15, 2023
  • Issue Winter 2023
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