Removing Barriers to Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Fiction with Preservice Teachers

Abstract

This comprehensive mixed-methods study sought to investigate the impact of integrating contemporary Young Adult (YA) literature into an introductory-level special education survey course. The primary objectives were to assess whether this integration led to significant improvements in both academic cognitive knowledge and empathetic knowledge regarding individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study involved 135 undergraduate students enrolled in this course between fall of 2016 and spring of 2020. To gauge the effects of YA literature on their perceptions and insights, participants were required to complete a questionnaire containing four open-ended questions. These responses were subjected to a rigorous analysis employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Additionally, participants were asked to provide feedback through a student satisfaction survey, which was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. The findings of this research provide compelling evidence that the integration of YA realistic fiction into the college classroom significantly enhances students’ academic cognitive knowledge and fosters a deeper empathetic understanding of individuals with ASD.