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Adaptation of children with autism to Singapore mainstream primary schools: effectiveness of a transition programme
Author
Ong, Cheryl Huiling
Supervisor
Yeo, Lay See
Abstract
The present study focuses on six Kindergarten 2 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who were recommended for and were transitioning to mainstream primary school. The study employed a collective case study design to investigate the effectiveness of the S.T.A.R.S. (Successful Transition, Adaptation, Readiness Skills) programme, a transition programme to prepare children with ASD for transition to a mainstream primary school. The effectiveness of the programme was evaluated by examination of the demonstration of behaviours taught, one month and three months after the commencement of Primary 1. The study also explored the necessary components of a transition programme by investigating local challenges faced and support provided. All six children with ASD who underwent the S.T.A.R.S. programme generally demonstrated a moderate to high level of target classroom behaviours one month and three months after commencing Primary 1 in mainstream schools. Targeted recess behaviours that were taught during the S.T.A.R.S. programme were exhibited with greater variability. Results also suggested that skills to do with socialisation and behaviour are most important to cover in a transition programme to prepare children with ASD for primary school. The S.T.A.R.S. Programme , having covered these components, seems primed for effectiveness in enhancing adaptation of children with ASD to primary school. However, results also demonstrated the insufficiency of the transition programme. Recommendations were made for the development of the transition programme and future research directions were discussed.
Date Issued
2013
Call Number
LC4717 Ong
Date Submitted
2013