Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Research Review for School Counselors

American School Counselor Association. 1101 King Street Suite 625, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-683-2722; Fax: 703-683-1619; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.schoolcounselor.org

Y

13

Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Autism; Literature Reviews; School Counselors; Student Needs; Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Intervention; Program Effectiveness; Behavior Problems; At Risk Students; Interpersonal Competence; Incidence; Child Development; Comorbidity; Anxiety; Bullying; Story Telling; Teaching Methods; After School Programs; Community Programs; Video Technology; Counselor Role; Elementary School Students; Secondary School Students

10.5330/PSC.n.2013-16.256

1096-2409

The number of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has risen significantly in recent years (CDC, 2012), and students with ASD present unique challenges to schools and school counselors. This article presents a synthesis of recent research literature related to ASD for the purpose of providing school counselors with assistance in understanding and addressing the needs of students with ASD. Specific areas of focus include the prevalence, developmental course, and defining characteristics of ASD, and research on the effectiveness of interventions for students with ASD. Students with ASD are at increased risk for a range of problems, including social deficits and limitations, anxiety, aggression, peer victimization, and underachievement (Ashburner, Ziviani, & Rodger, 2010). Interventions to address the social deficits of students with ASD have shown promise but also have been found to lack results that are generalizable and that persist over time (Schreiber, 2011). This article provides specific recommendations for school counselors.

As Provided

58

2014

EJ1034677