Exploring support for autistic females in mainstream high school
Further reading
Abstract
Autistic females face a distinct set of educational challenges when compared to their male counterparts. The evidence-base surrounding support for autistic females within mainstream high school education is emerging and attempts have been made to adapt pre-existing models to meet need. However, there is still a dearth of literature pertaining to specific support required by autistic females.
Paper One is a SLR that sought to explore what could be considered as helpful for supporting autistic females in mainstream high school education. Twelve eligible papers were identified and critically appraised following the PRISMA framework. Paper Two, an empirical study, adopted an in-depth exploratory survey design, investigating SPs’ views on the utility and implementability of a proposed model of support for autistic females.
Focus groups were conducted with EPs from the UK and SPs from the US, allowing for an international comparison.The SLR revealed, through thematic synthesis, seven main themes pertaining to support for autistic females in mainstream high school. Paper Two elucidated the perceived strengths and areas of development of a proposed model of support for autistic females in high school, as well as the perceived facilitators and barriers to implementing the model in practice. Data were thematically analysed.
Strategies to support autistic females in high school are outlined, along with implications for future research and practice. A model of support for autistic females in mainstream high school is presented- the ‘champions model’. Paper Three discusses a dissemination plan for sharing the findings of Papers One and Two, and considers wider professional practice implications.
