Applications of Direct Instruction with Children with Autism
This review examines the effectiveness of Direct Instruction (DI) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across 16 studies. DI significantly improved language, reading, and math skills, with strong effect sizes (NAP = 0.97). However, research gaps include inconsistent participant demographics, limited generalization measures, and procedural variability. Studies varied in instructional formats and implementers, with frequent modifications. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials, increasing diversity, and assessing long-term impact. To enhance adoption, behavior analysts should receive DI training and implement validated curricula. Despite challenges, DI is a highly effective intervention for ASD learners, warranting wider use.
This review examines the effectiveness of Direct Instruction (DI) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across 16 studies. DI significantly improved language, reading, and math skills, with strong effect sizes (NAP = 0.97). However, research gaps include inconsistent participant demographics, limited generalization measures, and procedural variability. Studies varied in instructional formats and implementers, with frequent modifications. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials, increasing diversity, and assessing long-term impact. To enhance adoption, behavior analysts should receive DI training and implement validated curricula. Despite challenges, DI is a highly effective intervention for ASD learners, warranting wider use.
This review examines the effectiveness of Direct Instruction (DI) for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across 16 studies. DI significantly improved language, reading, and math skills, with strong effect sizes (NAP = 0.97). However, research gaps include inconsistent participant demographics, limited generalization measures, and procedural variability. Studies varied in instructional formats and implementers, with frequent modifications. Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials, increasing diversity, and assessing long-term impact. To enhance adoption, behavior analysts should receive DI training and implement validated curricula. Despite challenges, DI is a highly effective intervention for ASD learners, warranting wider use.