OU - Dissertations

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A STUDY ON PARENTS' AND EDUCATORS' PERCEPTION ON INCLUDING YOUNG CHILDREN WITH HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM IN GENERAL EDUCATION SETTINGS
(2012) Baghdayan, Annie Torossian; Brandes, Joycce A
The practice of inclusion, even the term itself, has been the subject of controversy over the last several decades. "Inclusion" has many interpretations, depending upon the student, educator, and setting. In my dissertation, I sought to find answers from parents and educators' regarding their perceptions on including young children (4-7) with high functioning autism in general education settings through their unique experiences. This qualitative study aimed to describe the successes, challenges, differences, and commonalities of each case using multiple-case study design. Purposive sampling was used to identify participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the parents of young children with HFA and their educators (general and special education teachers). A cross-case analysis method was used to analyze the data. Data were confirmed using methods of triangulation, respondent validation and member checking.