Developmental Follow-up of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Enrolled in Inclusive Units in France: Outcomes and Correlates of Change

Abstract

ABSTRACT The recent introduction of inclusive schooling settings in France has allowed children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as young as 3 years to benefit from teaching adapted to their special needs, while sharing the same educational environment as their typical peers. The present study examined 1) whether chidren with ASD attenting an inclusive unit exhibit significant gains in cognitive and communicative skills, and 2) whether chronological age, autistic symptoms, sensory processing, language abilities, and nonverbal intellectual functioning are associated with these gains. Outcome measures, repeated every 8 months during two years included standardized assessments of cognitive and communicative development. Results indicated that children make significant progresses both in cognitive and communicative domain, although the pace of development varied from one child to another. Nonverbal intellectual functioning, chronological age and language abilities are significantly correlated with gains made by children in two years. The implications of these encouraging initial results and their limitations are discussed from the perspective of ensuring the best educational opportunities and wellbeing of children with ASD in inclusive early school settings.