Perceptions of Using Number Patterns to Manage Behaviors in Students with Autism
by Thomas, Miriam, Ed.D., WALDEN UNIVERSITY, 2012, 200 pages; 3511670

Abstract:

Studies have documented that an escalation in the phenomenon of aggression in autistic students reduces the potential for successful social inclusion. This qualitative case study examined the perceptions of certified professionals in education regarding implementing number patterns as a best practice to manage aggressive behaviors of students with autism. The conceptual framework for this study was constructed from research in three areas: autism and aggression, mathematical reasoning, and professional development as a learning structure for educators. The research questions explored how professionals in education perceived the links between sequential math patterns, behaviors of autistic students, and the nature of autism. A purposeful sample of 5 male and 9 female certified professionals was drawn from one suburban school district in the southeastern United States. Participants completed the Behavioral Autism Research (BAR) Interview-Revised, a qualitative interview protocol, data from which were coded and analyzed through inductive approaches to reveal themes. Findings indicated that participants from the research site school district believed that teachers could help students with autism manage their behaviors by incorporating strategic number patterns within their regular schedules. Recommendations for this research are focused on awareness and treatment. Implementing the findings of this research would contribute to social change by giving students with autism greater control of their behaviors, more opportunities to be independent, and changing how they are perceived, which could foster a belief that as adults students with autism can be self-sufficient.

 
AdviserPamela Warrick
SchoolWALDEN UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/A 73-10(E), p. , Jul 2012
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsEducational leadership; Special education; Teacher education
Publication Number3511670
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3511670
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.