Moving towards an evidence-based practice approach? Exploring the strategies used as part of the support programmes of students on the autism spectrum in primary mainstream, state funded schools in Malta

Abstract

In an era where it has been increasingly recognised that ‘inclusion’ is not simply placing a child in a mainstream setting (Arnot, 2013) but that its aim is to ensure that each learner is an active member in the school life, it is crucial that educators become well-informed about which practices would lead learners to achieve effective outcomes. Such necessity is particularly important in the field of autism as the implementation of methods which are not classified as evidence-based might impede learners to develop their full learning and developmental potential (Simpson, 2005). Due to the limited research in relation to which approaches are being implemented for students on the spectrum within the primary educational context in Malta, this research explored which practices are being included throughout their support programmes. The purpose of gathering such data was to identify the extent of the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) across educational programmes. Through a mixed-methods approach embedded within online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and which included the participation of teachers and Learning Support Educators (LSEs), this research revealed that three EBPs tend to dominate the support programmes of learners on the autism spectrum. This research also found that other strategies which are not yet classified as EBPs are also being included across programmes. Hence, a gap in relation to research and practice across the programmes of learners on the spectrum was identified.