Students' Participation in Nonvocational Special Education Classroom Activities

Teachers of nonvocational special education classes were asked to report the frequency with which students with autism participate in class discussions, respond orally to questions, present to a class or group, and work with a peer or group. More than half of those with autism participate in each activity at least "sometimes," with the exception of presenting in front of a class or group; 71 percent "rarely" or "never" present (figure 9). More than one-third (34 percent) "often" respond orally to questions during class. Although one-quarter participate in class discussions frequently, 40 percent do not participate even "sometimes." Less than 1 out of 5 (16 percent) "often" work with a peer partner or group. Students with autism in nonvocational special education classes are less likely than students with autism in general education academic classes to work with a partner or group "often" (p < .001).