Do Spanish parents prefer special schools for their children with autism?

Abstract

The social and communication difficulties of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) pose a special challenge to educational inclusion. Previous research has suggested that, because of this, parents of children with ASD might be less favorable to educating their children in inclusive settings. In this study, 60 parents of children with ASD in the city of Seville (Spain) were interviewed about their perception of educational provision. Parents were from three different groups, according to the children’s educational placement: mainstream non-segregated settings (regular schools and sharing time with other children without disabilities), mainstream segregated settings (special classes in regular schools) and special schools. These contexts differ in teacher training, resources and contact with other children in ways that allow a comparison of the relative influence of these variables on parental perception. Overall parental satisfaction was high. However, parents in mainstream segregated settings were less satisfied than those in special schools. There were no differences between the satisfaction of parents with children in mainstream segregated and non-segregated settings. Results seem to indicate that it is resources and teacher training, rather than severity of the disorder, the classroom structure or fear of contact with other children without ASD, that determine positive parental perception.