Special Preparation Research Articles

2D speckle tracking echocardiography and comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance in children with acute myocarditis

BackgroundCardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) plays a major diagnostic role in acute myocarditis (AM) in children as biopsy is rarely performed in this age group. Contribution of standard echocardiography (ECHO) is limited in AM, but speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) quantitatively characterizes myocardial function, with good sensitivity for detecting subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and regional kinetics disorders beyond the site of inflammation. This work aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of STE as compared with CMR findings in pediatric patients with AM.MethodsThe study was conducted during 2022–2023. Troponin, electrocardiography, ECHO with STE, and CMR with early and late enhancement were performed on each patient. Affected heart segments were analyzed by both STE and CMR, and the correlation of the two methods was assessed.ResultsDuring the study period, 20 children were diagnosed with AM [14 boys, 6 girls; mean age 12 years (median 14)]. On ECHO, three patients had a deviation in LV biometry, and four patients had a mild systolic function disorder. STE showed at least one affected cardiac segment in all patients, most often the inferolateral segment (16/20; 80%). Of the 20 patients, STE showed a reduction in LV global longitudinal strain in 13 (65%) patients. In all patients, CMR identified an inflammatory focus, most frequently inferolateral (15/20; 75%). The strongest accordance between STE and CMR was observed for the involvement of anterolateral segments (k = 0.88) and the weakest for inferoseptal damage (k = 0.4).ConclusionsSTE can provide important diagnostic information in pediatric patients with AM. This modality supports the detection of early regional edema and subclinical myocardial dysfunction and can determine the impairment severity. STE is non-invasive and repeatable without the need for special patient preparation or for general anesthesia.

Sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome as a primary immunodeficiency state

Sphingosine phosphate lyase insufficiency syndrome (SPLIS) is a genetic disease associated with renal, endocrine, neurological, skin and immune defects. SPLIS is caused by inactivating mutations in SGPL1, which encodes sphingosine phosphate lyase (SPL). SPL catalyzes the irreversible degradation of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a key regulator of lymphocyte egress. The SPL reaction represents the only exit point of sphingolipid metabolism, and SPL insufficiency causes widespread sphingolipid derangements that could additionally contribute to immunodeficiency. Herein, we review SPLIS, the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, and various roles sphingolipids play in immunity. We then explore SPLIS-related immunodeficiency by analyzing data available in the published literature supplemented by medical record reviews in ten SPLIS children. We found 93% of evaluable SPLIS patients had documented evidence of immunodeficiency. Many of the remainder of cases were unevaluable due to lack of available immunological data. Most commonly, SPLIS patients exhibited lymphopenia and T cell-specific lymphopenia, consistent with the established role of the S1P/S1P1/SPL axis in lymphocyte egress. However, low B and NK cell counts, hypogammaglobulinemia, and opportunistic infections with bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens were observed. Diminished responses to childhood vaccinations were less frequently observed. Screening blood tests quantifying recent thymic emigrants identified some lymphopenic SPLIS patients in the newborn period. Lymphopenia has been reported to improve after cofactor supplementation in some SPLIS patients, indicating upregulation of SPL activity. A variety of treatments including immunoglobulin replacement, prophylactic antimicrobials and special preparation of blood products prior to transfusion have been employed in SPLIS. The diverse immune consequences in SPLIS patients suggest that aberrant S1P signaling may not fully explain the extent of immunodeficiency. Further study will be required to fully elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying SPLIS immunodeficiency and determine the most effective prophylaxis against infection.

Validation of abdominal ultrasound examination for assessment of abdominal wall thickness and size of left lobe of liver in morbidly obese patients in comparison with CT and operative findings

BackgroundIncreased abdominal wall thickness and size of left lobe of liver affect the ergonomics of bariatric surgery increasing its difficulty and leading to need of special preparations such as extra-long instruments. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen is the gold standard modality in assessment of abdominal wall thickness and size of left lobe of liver, but it has many drawbacks such as radiation and contrast. In this study, we validate ultrasound as an alternative to CT by comparing its results with CT abdomen and operative findings.ResultsAbdominal ultrasound examination gives accurate results in assessment of anterior abdominal wall thickness and size of left lobe of liver in morbidly obese patients compared to CT and intra-operative with slight difference between values which is clinically accepted. Accuracy of ultrasound examination was 78.6%, 74.1%, and 100% for midline measurements, midclavicular line measurements and size of lt lobe of liver measurements, respectively. Ultrasound examination has sensitivity of 75%, 66.7% and 63.2% for midline measurements, midclavicular line measurements and size of lt lobe of liver measurements, respectively. Ultrasound examination specificity was 50%, 77.1% and 75.3% for midline measurements, midclavicular line measurements and size of lt lobe of liver measurements, respectively.ConclusionAbdominal ultrasound examination is a valid method in preoperative assessment of anterior abdominal wall thickness and size of left lobe of liver in morbidly obese patients. It is reliable, easy, and cheap and avoids drawbacks of CT.

Participatory Planning in the Special Allocation Fund Preparation Process in Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta

The theory and practice of urban planning have both shown a significant amount of attention in regards to community participation. Numerous studies have added to the growing body of literature highlighting the benefits of community participation in city planning and management. On the other hand, the literature on participation contains just a handful of theory-based empirical studies that investigate the role of community participation in the planning process of special fund programs in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This research method uses quantitative analysis involving data collection using probability sampling techniques to collect data from 64 respondents. After that, a survey was conducted with the help of a questionnaire that was given out to respondents in order to obtain sample data. After that, the data that was gathered were examined by means of multiple regression analysis, which was carried out with the assistance of the SPSS Statistics 25 program. The results of this study indicate that knowledge, awareness, social media, political culture, and education have a positive and significant effect on community participation. This shows that active community participation in the special fund preparation program in the Special Region of Yogyakarta can be more targeted according to community needs.

EXPERIENCE OF APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE IN TEACHING KAZAKH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Teaching and learning the Kazakh language as a second language are one of the main state issues in Kazakhstan. In the modern realities we need very efficient and sufficient approaches and methods of teaching the Kazakh language to non-natives living in Kazakhstan. Teachers and educators are looking for different ways to teach Kazakhas a second language. Nowadays there are not many researches related to the application of the advanced methods of teaching it. This article aims to establish the connection between neuroscience and the teaching of Kazakh as a second language. The articlepresents the theoretical basis of neuroscience and its basic concepts. This article represents results of conducting an experiment of teaching Kazakh as a second language to adults. Based on these neuroscientific concepts and strategies for teaching Kazakh as a second language, we designed and applied a Kazakh language course as a second language for adults. At the end of the course adult learners passed a final test according to the Kaztest system. During and at the end of the experiment course there was not any special preparation for the final test. The results of the experiment showed that implementation of the neuroscientific concepts and strategies was efficient. According to the results of the experiment course we state that we can effectively construct the Kazakh language teaching course by having a thorough understanding of the brain function that neuroscience studies. Using the results of this experiment, educators and teachers of the Kazakh language can improve their methodology and contribute to the effective learning of the language by learners.

Cellulose dissolution strategy modulates hierarchical porous structure of biomass derived carbon for supercapacitors

The vast majority of biomass derived carbon is prepared using a top-down process, however, this process lacks the freedom to design the microstructure of the derived carbon. To address this shortcoming, this study proposes a special bottom-up preparation strategy based on cellulose dissolution and breaks away from the constraints of the top-down preparation process. Research shows that this special preparation strategy can regulate the microscopic pore structure of derived carbon for application in supercapacitors. The target sample not only possesses excellent specific capacitance (512 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and rate performance (71.1 % capacitance retention at 20 A g−1) in the three-electrode system, but also exhibits outstanding energy density (37.7 Wh kg−1 at 750 W kg−1) and cycle stability (capacity loss is 5.8 % after 5000 cycles) in the symmetric full capacitor. These exciting results herald the potential of the special preparation strategy proposed in this study to prepare high-quality biomass derived carbon suitable for supercapacitors.

Program pembelajaran bagi peserta didik autis di Raudhatul Athfal Maestro NU Purbalingga

The study conducted at Raudhatul Athfal NU Maestro Purbalingga outlines the learning program for autistic students in group A as well as the problems faced by teachers in the 2022/2023 school year. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The subjects of this study consisted of a class teacher and a group A student who had been detected as autistic. Data collection was done through interviews and observations. The data obtained was tested for validity by increasing persistence, triangulation, and using reference materials. Data analysis techniques were carried out by collecting data, reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. Without special preparation, autistic students joined their classmates. Teachers use various learning approaches, such as games and movements, and adjust their schedules accordingly. Due to limited electronic means, learning media is more traditional. Standardized adjustments for autistic children are used to conduct holistic evaluations. The absence of special preparation, the absence of a dedicated space, and the difficulty of handling and evaluating autistic students, which interferes with the overall learning process, are the main obstacles.

Validation of a dynamic 4D microsurgical bypass simulator for training and teaching microvascular anastomosis techniques with blood flow and fluorescence imaging

ObjectiveMicrovascular anastomosis is challenging, and training surgeons to develop and maintain skills is imperative. Current training models either miss the simulation of the surgical workflow, lack 3D key-hole space, need ethical approval, require special preparation, or lack realism. To circumvent these issues, this study describes the use of a mixed reality 3D printed model with integrated blood flow for training cerebral anastomosis and assesses its validity. MethodsDifferent-sized 3D-printed artificial micro artery models in a 3D brain space with a keyhole opening were used. The model was connected to a 4D simulator to induce pulsatile blood flow. Neurosurgical microscopes and exoscopes were used for visualization. Nine participants (n = 6 board-certified cerebrovascular neurosurgeons; n = 3 in-training) participated in the study and practiced anastomosis techniques with the simulator. Two senior, experienced vascular neurosurgeons mentored live teaching activity on the simulator. Participants completed a survey to score the face and content validity of the simulation on a 5-point Likert scale. Simulation time and anastomosis score differences between in-training and board-certified participants were compared for construct validity. ResultsParticipants scored the simulation difficulty similar to actual surgery, proving face validity. All participants agreed that practice on the provided simulator models would improve bypass techniques (μ = 4.67/5 ± 0.47) and instrument handling (μ = 4.56/5 ± 0.68). Board-certified participants had better anastomosis scores than in-training participants (non-significant difference). ConclusionsThe 4D simulator and the high-fidelity artificial 3D printed model effectively simulated actual bypass surgery in a key-hole fashion with blood flow abilities. Limited resources and preparation time are needed for the training setup. The model provides benefits in learning and maintaining anastomosis skills and allows for easy adaptation to different microanatomical scenarios.

Влияние технологических параметров на микроструктуру и свойства сплава AlSiMg, полученного методом селективного лазерного плавления

Introduction. The development of additive technologies is aimed at the synthesis of new powder compositions for selective laser melting plants, the study of the effect of mode parameters on the stable quality of products. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of the scanning strategy on the microstructure, elemental composition, porosity and density of specimens obtained by selective laser melting from non-spherical powders (Al — 91 wt. %, Si — 8 wt. %, Mg — 1 wt. %), subjected to special preparation to determine the optimal conditions for selective laser melting. The research methods are methods of X-ray diffraction and X-ray phase analysis, transmission electron microscopy. The paper examines specimens formed using four different scanning strategies. Results and discussions. A promising aluminum alloy AlSi8Mg is developed for selective laser melting. The material has good manufacturability and low powder cost. The technological parameters of melting make it possible to form a thin structure with a low level of porosity. The mechanism of influence of the scanning strategy on porosity, surface morphology, relative density and microstructure is investigated. A specimen from the AlSi8Mg powder composition with a high relative density of 99.97 % is produced by selective laser melting with an energy density of 200 J/mm3, a specimen scanning circuit when the direction of laser movement changes by an angle of 90° each odd layer. It is proved that the density of the AlSiMg alloy depends on the scanning strategy used. The calculated density of the specimen was 2.5 g/cm3, which corresponds to the density of silumin. Analysis of SEM images and maps of the distribution of elements (Al, Mg, Si) of the specimens showed that different specimen formation strategies do not affect the nature of silicon distribution. A unique grain structure is observed in the resulting AlSi8Mg alloy. The melt pool consists of small grains along the border and large grains in the center. The formation of fine grains is explained by the addition of Si and the high cooling rate during selective laser melting.

Characterization of fluoroelastomers compounds by ATR-FTIR

Fluoroelastomers (FKM) are used to manufacture seals and other rubber devices that can withstand harsh operating conditions, including aggressive media and extreme low and high temperatures. Even though nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and chromatographic techniques have been extensively used in the characterization of raw FKM molecules, the identification of cured compounds entails a characterization method that is able to overcome the complexity related to this kind of structure. In this sense, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy can outperform other characterization techniques because it does not require solubilization or any special preparation of the sample. In this study, 10 FKM compounds were produced in this study utilizing four commercial types of FKM and the fillers carbon black, barium sulfate, and iron oxide. All unfilled-FKM (as received) and their compounds were analyzed by ATR-FTIR with germanium crystal. Between 15 and 25 analyses were performed for all each FKM type sample and their respective compounds. All spectra were analyzed, and the bands were assigned. Findings regarding the interference of the fillers in the spectra were also reported. From relationships between the height of the spectral zones and the bands at 1397 and 1428 cm−1, it was possible to distinguish all sample compositions of FKM types 1, 2, 3, and 5. This study demonstrates that ATR-FTIR has the potential to be utilized as a technique to detect the type of FKM compounds, an important rubber used in harsh industrial applications. Replacing carbon with BaSO4 reduces the tensile at 50% strain of FKM types 1 and 2 composites. FKM types 3 and 5 composites filled with 30 phr of carbon black have a higher tensile at 50% strain than those of FKM type 1.

Early Adopters: Navigating AI Integration in Special Education Teacher Preparation

Exploring the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education is important as it challenges traditional teaching practices and shapes how educators may approach them in the future. In this article, we document the transformative integration of AI in special education teacher preparation, highlighting how we, as early adopter professors, attempted to navigate this journey, offering practical applications for AI use. Practical applications of generative AI tools include aligning course objectives, developing modules, and creating assignments and assessment measures. Additionally, we describe innovative uses for AI, such as incorporating chatbots in teacher preparation courses, navigating curriculum development, generating case studies, and aligning individualized education program (IEP) goals with curricular standards. We also explore how AI can be employed as a reflective coaching tool for teaching practice. Ethical considerations are emphasized, focusing on transparent communication about AI use and documenting the learning process to humanize assessment experiences and mitigate potential risks.

Teaching in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Reimagining Activities and Assignments in Preservice Special Education Teacher Education Programs

Artificial intelligence (AI) text generators, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, have been used for various purposes such as creating written content, writing or debugging computer code, answering questions, providing information, and improving written communication. This robust functionality of AI text generators along with the high rate of use reported by college students highlights the need for instructors in special education teacher preparation programs to contend with the impact of AI on teaching and learning. The purpose of this article is to provide examples of how teacher educators might reimagine assignments and activities in the era of AI text generators. Specifically, the authors explore ways that AI applications might be intentionally incorporated or, conversely, intentionally restricted in the design of course assignments and activities.

Exploring the Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Special Education Teacher Preparation through the TPACK Framework

With the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically generative AI and large language models (e.g., ChatGPT, Google Gemini), into education, there is a conversation regarding what knowledge teachers still need and will need moving forward. In this article, we describe how AI can, and should, be aligned to the Technological Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, as a part of special education teacher preparation. Additionally, we explore the implications of AI on the TPACK framework, specifically how AI can be integrated within each of the three components, specific tools that support each aspect, and guiding questions that teacher-educators and pre-service teachers should be using when considering AI. We will provide teacher-educators with example activities they can use with their pre-service teachers to introduce AI and integrate its use within their curriculum, framed within the TPACK.

Navigating AI-Powered Personalized Learning in Special Education: A Guide for Preservice Teacher Faculty

Integrating Artificial Intelligence-Powered Personalized Learning (AI-PPL) in special education teacher preparation represents a shift toward tailoring educational experiences to meet the unique needs of preservice teachers and students with disabilities. This article explores the implementation of AI-PPL tools in teacher preparation programs, highlighting their potential to customize learning experiences, provide adaptive feedback, and enhance engagement through interactive content. This review of current AI-PPL functionalities, such as adaptive learning environments and customized feedback mechanisms, demonstrates how AI-PPL can impact teaching practices and student learning outcomes. The article introduces critical attributes for successful AI-PPL integration, such as ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. It calls for further professional development to enhance educator competency and skills. By presenting real-world examples and guiding questions for special education faculty, the authors offer practical insights for educators and faculty members to effectively navigate the complexities of adopting AI technologies in teacher preparation programs.

SPRi Biosensor for Simultaneous Determination of HIF-1α, Angiopoietin-2, and Interleukin-1β in Blood Plasma.

A new analytical method, based on SPRi biosensors, has been developed for the simultaneous determination of the pro-angiogenic factors HIF-1α, angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in biological fluids. These proteins take part in the process of angiogenesis, i.e., the creation of new blood vessels, which is a key stage of cancer development and metastasis. A separate validation process was carried out for each individual compound, indicating that the method can also be used to study one selected protein. Low values of the limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) indicate that the developed method enables the determination of very low concentrations, in the order of pg/mL. The LOD values obtained for HIF-1α, ANG-2, and IL-1β were 0.09, 0.01, and 0.01 pg/mL, respectively. The LOQ values were 0.27, 0.039, and 0.02 pg/mL, and the response ranges of the biosensor were 5.00-100.00, 1.00-20.00, and 1.00-15.00 pg/mL. Moreover, determining the appropriate validation parameters confirmed that the design offers high precision, accuracy, and sensitivity. To prove the usefulness of the biosensor in practice, determinations were made in plasma samples from a control group and from a study group consisting of patients with diagnosed bladder cancer. The preliminary results obtained indicate that this biosensor can be used for broader analyses of bladder cancer. Each of the potential biomarkers, HIF-1α, ANG-2, and IL-1β, produced higher concentrations in the study group than in the control group. These are preliminary studies that serve to develop hypotheses, and their confirmation requires the analysis of a larger number of samples. However, the constructed biosensor is characterized by its ease and speed of measurement, and the method does not require special preparation of samples. SPRi biosensors can be used as a sensitive and highly selective method for determining potential blood biomarkers, which in the future may become part of the routine diagnosis of cancers.

Analysis of interventional cardiological risk in emergency aid: Indications and procedures

Introduction: Interventional cardiology procedures require special preparation recommended in the form of a protocol for each service. It is understood that the need for this is an advance for the ICHS, mainly because anxiety and fear accompany patients. Objetives: The aim of this study is to carry out an up-to-date literature review on information about hemodynamics and interventional cardiology services. Material and Methods: The methodology used was a literature review. The health terminologies consulted in the Health Sciences descriptors (DeCS/BIREME) were used; information on Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology services. Results and Discussions: Hemodynamics and interventional cardiology is an area of cardiology that diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart and blood vessels using catheters. The Hemodynamics service is responsible for performing cardiac catheterization for the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. The department performs the procedure on adults and children. Many patients are referred to the interventional cardiologist after an assessment with the clinical cardiologist. However, some go to the emergency department first because they have symptoms that could be considered serious, such as chest pain or even because they are already having a heart attack. Conclusions: Through procedures such as catheterization, angioplasty, intracoronary ultrasound, among others, interventional cardiology is a procedure without cuts, which allows patients to recover quickly. In this case, it can be used both to treat coronary artery disease, such as angina and heart attacks, as well as structural heart disease, such as problems with heart valves like severe aortic stenosis.

Utility of rest magnetocardiography in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain: A case series on the CardioFlux MCG

BackgroundMagnetocardiography (MCG) may provide a rapid diagnostic option for patients presenting with chest pain in the emergency department (ED). Case summariesThis case series presents two instances from a multicenter study, where MCG could have served as a rapid, non-invasive diagnostic tool for chest pain patients. In both cases, multiple high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) tests yielded incorrect evidence of ischemia. In the first case, multiple positive hsTn tests led to the patient requiring 23 h of observation care, while MCG rapidly ruled out acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In the second case, MCG revealed findings indicative of cardiac ischemia where serial ECGs did not indicate ischemia and serial hsTns were normal. Subsequent cardiac catheterization confirmed 99 % stenosis in the patient's left main and left anterior descending arteries, necessitating coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). ConclusionMCG offers a rapid, painless, non-invasive, radiation free assessment for patients presenting with acute chest pain. Integrating MCG into ED workflows has the potential to improve throughput, reduce the need for subsequent patient observation or inpatient admission, and minimize or eliminate the need for other more expensive non-invasive cardiac testing. MCG avoids some of the problems associated with other methods for diagnosing ischemia. MCG does not involve radiation or the use of pharmacologic agents which have a risk for allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, or the need for an intravenous line. Stress tests are frequently contraindicated or unable to be performed in patients on various medications, may require patient cooperation and in the case of exercise stress tests, the patient's capability to exercise. MCG requires no special patient preparation.

Patch Transplant in Corneal Perforations: Time, Method, and Cause.

We present demographic data and clinical features of corneal perforations repaired with patch grafts prepared from residual donor corneal rims. For this retrospective study, we evaluated patients who underwent corneal perforation repair with corneal or corneoscleral patch grafts. We recorded demographic data, as well as perforation cause, examination notes, tissue type-size used, follow-up time, and additional surgeries. Anterior segment photographs were also evaluated. Transplanted tissues were prepared from residual donor corneas used in penetrating keratoplasty and were manually adjusted to the precise size of the wound. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of the patients was 64.9 ± 19.7 years (range, 15-81 years) with a female-to-male ratio of 0.85. The causes of perforation were grouped as inflammation, infection, and trauma. The main indications were inflammation (n = 7; 46.7%) and infection (n = 6; 40%), followed by trauma (n = 2; 13.3%). All patients demonstrated preservation of globe integrity during the follow-up time; however, 1 patient's eye required regrafting with limbal conjunctival excision due to melting and leakage. Three eyes required permanent tarsorrhaphy to control progressive exposure keratopathy, and 2 eyes underwent penetrating keratoplasty to cure scar-related corneal opacity. Patch grafts are effective surgical interventions to assure and maintain globe integrity in corneal perforations. The main advantage seems to be that patch grafting allows special preparations for wound architecture. Moreover, in clinics performing keratoplasty, these patch tissues are readily available.

Artificial lightweight aggregate made from alternative and waste raw materials, hardened using the hybrid method

Lightweight aggregates are a material used in many industries. A huge amount of this material is used in construction and architecture. For the most part, lightweight construction aggregates are obtained from natural resources such as clay raw materials that have the ability to swell at high temperatures. Resources of these clays are limited and not available everywhere. Therefore, opportunities are being sought to produce lightweight artificial aggregates that have interesting performance characteristics due to their properties. For example, special preparation techniques can reduce or increase the water absorption of such an aggregate depending on the needs and application. The production of artificial lightweight aggregate using various types of waste materials is environmentally friendly as it reduces the depletion of natural resources. Therefore, this article proposes a method of obtaining artificial lightweight aggregate consolidated using two methods: drum and dynamic granulation. Hardening was achieved using combined methods: sintering and hydration, trying to maintain the highest possible porosity. Waste materials were used, such as dust from construction rubble and residues from the processing of PET bottles, as well as clay from the Bełchatów mine as a raw material accompanying the lignite overburden. High open porosity of the aggregates was achieved, above 30%, low apparent density of 1.23 g/cm3, low leachability of approximately 250 µS. The produced lightweight aggregates could ultimately be used in green roofs.

Experience matters in special educators' preparation in intervention planning for autistic students

AbstractEducators struggle to select evidence‐based practices (EBPs) for autistic students, which is an important skill to develop for special educators in training (SETs). To examine how these SETs learn and begin to make decisions about instructional practices for autistic students to attain their goals, we interviewed and surveyed 11 SETs before and after completing a university course on evidence‐based practices for autistic students. We used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), a comprehensive compilation of research‐based factors that influence behaviour change, to guide qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis to identify factors that influenced SETs' decision difficulty and intention to implement instructional plans. At the beginning of the course, most SETs described a lack of familiarity, weak intentions and surface understanding of factors. At the end of the course, SETs described and reported less difficulty in intervention planning and improved knowledge of EBP, but this was not statistically significant. We discuss important individual differences related to their difficulty, consideration of collaborative and environmental factors and intentions to implement their plans, which often corresponded with their reports of applied experience. Future directions for the pre‐service preparation of special educators service autistic students are shared.