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Exploring the experiences of autistic children who avail of dual autism class and mainstream provision in Irish primary schools

Ward, Lisa (2023) Exploring the experiences of autistic children who avail of dual autism class and mainstream provision in Irish primary schools. Doctor of Education thesis, Dublin City University.

Abstract
Inclusive Educational Provision has become a significant issue in Ireland and the wider international context. The United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disability (UNCRPD) (UN, 2006), which was ratified by the Irish State in 2018 poses a significant threat to current inclusive policy, more particularly, the operation of special classes and special schools. This original research study offers another voice, often absent from the conversation, that of a group of autistic children in four Irish Primary Schools. Fifteen pupils aged between eight and twelve participated in a qualitative exploration of their experiences of availing of dual (autism class and mainstream) provision. The transformative paradigm is used, which is concerned with seeking social justice for marginalised populations. This paradigm recognises that injustice and inequality are pervasive and believes that research is an important tool for addressing these societal ills (Mertens, 2007). An interpretivist approach is also drawn upon when necessary. The study is therefore grounded in the children’s own experiences and perceptions within the qualitative field of study. Research methods were determined following a systematic review of research literature. A mosaic approach was adopted, facilitating pupils' engagement through activities of their own choosing. From the analysis of data, a number of key themes emerged. The research findings suggest that children experience autism class provision as an important support for their engagement in school. Pupils demonstrated a sense of awareness that they are different from their peers, with some pupils acknowledging that they are autistic. Their experiences of school were made more enjoyable by their friendships, but social challenges were also faced. Pupils demonstrated an ability to regulate their emotions, particularly with the support of access to the autism class along with a number of resources. Finally, supports and barriers to their learning which were experienced by the pupils were shared. The thesis concludes by considering the implications emerging from this research in the Irish context and offers recommendations for consideration by the various stakeholders for policy and practice going forward.
Metadata
Item Type:Thesis (Doctor of Education)
Date of Award:November 2023
Refereed:No
Additional Information:Contact email: lisa.ward8@mail.dcu.ie
Supervisor(s):Gormley, Laura and Coulter, Maura
Uncontrolled Keywords:Autism; Experiences; Dual provision; Primary School
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of Inclusive & Special Education
Use License:This item is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License. View License
ID Code:28729
Deposited On:01 Nov 2023 15:55 by Laura Gormley . Last Modified 01 Nov 2023 15:55
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Creative Commons: Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0
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