Peer-Mediated Instruction and Interventions Supporting the Academic Engagement of Secondary Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study examined the use of a peer-mediated instruction and intervention model (PMI) in combination with priming and the use of a visual activity checklist as a way of supporting the academic engagement and social interactions of secondary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study employed the use of a multiple-baseline across participants design (Kazdin, 2011) to determine the effects of the multicomponent intervention on the academic engagement and social interactions of students with ASD enrolled in 10th grade, general education settings. Results showed positive outcomes for all three 10th grade students' academic engagement and in social interactions for two of the three participants. This study adds to the literature in supporting the academic engagement of students with ASD by incorporating the use of priming and activity schedules within a PMI model. Findings from this study address the call for multicomponent interventions supporting links between academic and social skills in adolescents with ASD.