Social Communication Predictors of Successful Inclusion Experiences for Students With Autism in an Early Childhood Lab School

Abstract

Purpose This study examined predictors of preschool enrollment and attendance in an inclusive, university-based lab preschool (Preschool Education Lab [PEL]) serving children with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method PEL operates as a full-day, state-licensed preschool and consists of three classrooms serving 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds (class sizes of 12, 16, and 18 children, respectively). Between July 2018 and October 2019, parents of 84 children with a prior diagnosis of ASD or parental concerns about ASD contacted PEL to seek enrollment. Parents completed several eligibility surveys, including a demographic survey and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (MB-CDI). The process for determining eligibility and enrollment consisted of four steps: Step 1, review of eligibility surveys to select children for an in-person eligibility observation (EO); Step 2, completion of an in-person EO to determine program eligibility; Step 3, enrollment of eligible and interested families; and Step 4, sustained PEL attendance. Results We used logistic regression analyses to identify child or demographic characteristics that predict decisions at each step. Results show that parent-reported early gestures (MB-CDI) were the strongest predictor of PEL's decision to invite children for an EO (Step 1). Furthermore, higher parent-reported language skills (MB-CDI, Words Produced) and a younger chronological age were the strongest predictors of PEL's decision to invite families to enroll (Step 2). Whether eligible families chose to enroll (Step 3) and whether enrolled families chose to remain enrolled (Step 4) were best explained by practical family considerations such as tuition expenses, daily commute, and alternative programming options. Conclusion This research paints a complex picture of forces that influence placement decisions for children with ASD who seek enrollment in an inclusive early childhood education program. A better understanding of these forces is necessary to evaluate outcomes and increase access to inclusive preschool options for children with ASD.