Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a Secondary Level: A Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

This meta-synthesis reviews literature on current practices being employed for working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at a secondary level. Specific areas addressed within this meta-synthesis include the characteristics of students with that are higher functioning on the autism spectrum, the inclusion of students with ASD, limitations to including students with ASD into general education classes, and the perceptions of all of the stakeholders (students, parents, educators) in regards to educating this population at a secondary level. Additionally, effective interventions were explored to determine the best practices to utilize as part of an arrangement of supports that create quality learning experiences. This meta-synthesis intertwines the findings from the research studies with the author’s experiences as a professional working with students with autism spectrum disorder.