Economic and Demographic Factors Impacting Placement of Students with Autism
Issue Date
2016Author
Kurth, Jennifer A.
Mastergeorge, Ann M.
Paschall, Katherine
Publisher
The Council for Exceptional Children, Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Type
Article
Article Version
Scholarly/refereed, author accepted manuscript
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Educational placement of students with autism is often associated with child factors, such
as IQ and communication skills. However, variability in placement patterns across states
suggests that other factors are at play. This study used hierarchical cluster analysis techniques to
identify demographic, economic, and educational covariates associated with placement patterns
across states in highly inclusive, moderately inclusive, moderately restrictive, and highly
restrictive clusters. Findings indicate that highly inclusive states are more rural, have more
adults with high school diplomas, and more White citizens compared to other clusters. States
that are highly restrictive were largely less economically and racially privileged. These findings
suggest an inequitable access to the least restrictive environment for students with autism.
Implications of these findings are included.
Collections
Citation
Kurth, J. A., Mastergeorge, A. M., & Paschall, K. (2016). Economic and demographic
factors impacting placement of students with autism. Education and Training in Autism and
Developmental Disabilities, 51, 3-12.
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