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. 2016 Dec;53(10):1071-1084.
doi: 10.1002/pits.21976. Epub 2016 Oct 28.

Parent-Teacher Communication about Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of Collaborative Problem-Solving

Gazi F Azad  1 , Mina Kim  1 , Steven C Marcus  1 , David S Mandell  1 , Susan M Sheridan  2
Affiliations

Parent-Teacher Communication about Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of Collaborative Problem-Solving

Gazi F Azad et al. Psychol Sch. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Effective parent-teacher communication involves problem-solving concerns about students. Few studies have examined problem solving interactions between parents and teachers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a particular focus on identifying communication barriers and strategies for improving them. This study examined the problem-solving behaviors of parents and teachers of children with ASD. Participants included 18 teachers and 39 parents of children with ASD. Parent-teacher dyads were prompted to discuss and provide a solution for a problem that a student experienced at home and at school. Parents and teachers also reported on their problem-solving behaviors. Results showed that parents and teachers displayed limited use of the core elements of problem-solving. Teachers displayed more problem-solving behaviors than parents. Both groups reported engaging in more problem-solving behaviors than they were observed to display during their discussions. Our findings suggest that teacher and parent training programs should include collaborative approaches to problem-solving.

Keywords: autism; autism spectrum disorder; parent-teacher communication; problem-solving.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Teachers’ involvement relative to parents’ involvement during dyad observations Notes. NOI= Number of items. a Percentage Difference was calculated by subtracting the parent mean from the teacher mean, and then dividing this number by the parent mean. **p < .01 ***p < .001
Figure 2
Figure 2
Differences between percentage of parent and teacher involvement (by items) during dyad observation **p < .01 ***p < .001
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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