“Now They Have a Baseline Understanding”: Assessing the Effects and Social Validity of a Class-Wide Peer-Education Intervention for Autistic Middle School Students and Their Peers

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Fleming, J. I., VanUitert, V. J., Wilson, S. E., & Cook, B. G. (2024). “Now They Have a Baseline Understanding”: Assessing the Effects and Social Validity of a Class-Wide Peer-Education Intervention for Autistic Middle School Students and Their Peers [Preprint]. Center for Open Science. https://doi.org/10.35542/osf.io/3eqtg

Publication date: 5 Jun 2024 Added to AutiHub: 6 Jul 2026 Type: Preprint Article language: English
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Authors

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4
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 4 (25.0%)
  1. Jesse Irvan Fleming
  2. Victoria J. VanUitert *
  3. Sarah Emily Wilson
  4. Bryan G. Cook

Abstract

Peer-education interventions can be used to improve peer knowledge of autism and attitudes toward students with autism. In this study, we use a convergent parallel mixed methods design to assess the impact and social validity of Kit for Kids – a peer-education intervention for elementary and middle-school students. Sixty-four middle school students without autism, three autistic middle school students, and three teachers participated in the study. Differences in post-test scores on knowledge and attitudes between intervention and control groups were statistically different and changes persisted over a 1-week period. Social validity assessments from stakeholders (i.e., students with autism, peers, parents, and teachers) indicated generally positive feedback for the goals, procedures, and outcomes of the intervention. Qualitative survey responses and semi-structured interviews revealed potential adaptions for future research. We discuss the implications of our work for educators and provide recommendations for future research to support students with autism in inclusive settings.

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27
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Cited references with an identified autistic author
5 / 27 (18.5%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
6 / 81 (7.4%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 6 / 21 (28.6%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 5 / 76 (6.6%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
21 / 81 (25.9%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 20 / 76 (26.3%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
15 / 21 (71.4%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 15 / 81 (18.5%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 15 / 20 (75.0%).
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