Parents as Teachers: Toward Improving the Print Handwriting of Adolescents with Autism

dc.contributor.advisorBehrmann, Michael M
dc.contributor.authorGenarro, Tamara J
dc.creatorGenarro, Tamara J
dc.date2015-11-30
dc.date.accessioned2018-05-25T15:30:15Z
dc.date.available2018-05-25T15:30:15Z
dc.description.abstractThe purpose of this dissertation was to determine if parent-mediated handwriting instruction using behavioral principles and procedures with components of the Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum would increase acquisition of pencil grip, posture, writing position, orientation, placement, size, start, sequence, control, legibility, and spacing for adolescents with autism. Previous research indicates that individuals with autism often demonstrate significant delays in motor control, visual perception, and kinesthesia that may contribute to illegible and inefficient handwriting; parents can be effective teachers to their children after receiving sufficient quality instruction; and handwriting is a functional skill that improves academic achievement for the child and quality of life for both the child and the child’s family. Data were collected on 80-100 sessions across four phases (Baseline, Acquisition, Maintenance and Generalization) within a multiple-baseline design across the behaviors including pencil grip, posture, and paper position, and four letter sets. Three 3 adolescents with autism participated in the instruction and data collection sessions conducted within their homes. A gradual increase in each handwriting dimension was anticipated for the adolescents with autism. The results of this study indicated that legibility increased, the rate of legibility acquisition appeared to increase across all three subjects.
dc.identifierdoi:10.13021/G84X39
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1920/10979
dc.language.isoen
dc.subjectAutism
dc.subjectWriting without tears
dc.subjectApplied behavior analysis
dc.subjectParent as teacher
dc.subjectSingle subject design multiple baseline
dc.subjectHandwriting
dc.titleParents as Teachers: Toward Improving the Print Handwriting of Adolescents with Autism
dc.typeDissertation
thesis.degree.disciplineEducation
thesis.degree.grantorGeorge Mason University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy in Education

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