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. 2022 May;52(5):2132-2148.
doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05072-y. Epub 2021 Jun 17.

Beyond Tier Three: Individualized Levels of Support During Headsprout® Early Reading Instruction for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Julie L Thompson  1 , Joshua B Plavnick  2 , Lori E Skibbe  3 , M Y Savana Bak  4 , Paul Doher  2
Affiliations

Beyond Tier Three: Individualized Levels of Support During Headsprout® Early Reading Instruction for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Julie L Thompson et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 2022 May.

Abstract

We previously conducted a series of conceptual replications to parse out which-and to what degree-adaptations and individualized supports were needed for children to access and learn early reading skills using Headsprout®. Here we developed a systematic decision-making process for providing levels of support to individuals with autism who require additional instruction in order to access and/or advance through Headsprout®. Using a series of single-case AB, ABC, and multiple-baseline designs we examined strategies from our previous research and additional strategies iteratively developed during the study on six students with autism, all of whom demonstrated progression through Headsprout® and increased reading skills. We provide practical implications for teachers and suggestions to research these supports with other computer-based programs.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Early reading; Headsprout® early reading; Multi-tiered systems of support; Technology-based instruction.

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