Behavior analysts transitioning young autistic children from intensive behavior intervention to public school: A mixed methods study

This investigation addresses a gap in the literature by examining the role of Behavior Analysts (BAs) in facilitating the transition of Autistic children from Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI) to public schools in the United States. By using a parallel convergent mixed-methods approach, data from questionnaires (N=115) and focus groups (n=9) were integrated to generate insights into the BAs’ current practices, perceived importance of transition best practices, facilitators, barriers, and recommendations. Findings highlight a gap between perceived importance and actual usage rates of best transition practices, particularly in those that pertain to collaboration with educational team members and knowledge acquisition. While most BAs engage in transition planning, fewer than half consistently apply best practices. They primarily employ family-centered approaches aligned with IBI principles, especially when collaboration expectations are high. Meta-inference underscores BAs' dual healthcare and educational roles, revealing systemic hurdles and capacity-building potential. The findings reveal the need for policy changes, additional in-service training, and expanding BAs' roles within the legal framework to enhance collaborative efforts, remove barriers, and potentially optimize transition outcomes for Autistic children.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Special Education

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Sleiman Haidar, Ban

Contributors dc:contributor

• Meadan-Kaplansky, Hedda
• Ostrosky, Michaelene
• Xia, Yan
• Sands, Michelle

• Autism
• Behavior Analyst
• Bcba
• Transition
• Intensive Behavior Intervention

Statement dc:rights

• © 2024 Ban S. Haidar

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125656

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F125656