1. Autism in Higher Education: dissonance between educators’ perceived knowledge and reported teaching behaviour
- Author
-
Elliott Spaeth, Rhoda von Below, and Chiara Horlin
- Subjects
Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) ,Higher education ,business.industry ,Cognitive dissonance ,medicine ,Autism ,medicine.disease ,Psychology ,business ,Education ,Developmental psychology - Abstract
This study explores the autism knowledge and awareness of educators in Higher Education (HE) as well as their attitudes towards accommodating autistic students within their teaching. Semi-structured interviews were used to allow for in-depth investigation of this topic. Thematic analysis uncovered a striking dissonance between educators’ positive attitudes towards accommodating autistic students and their actions in the classroom. A range of additional themes and subthemes interacted with the concept of dissonance. Even though participants self-described as having expert knowledge of autism, an attitude-behaviour gap was evident. Impact on inclusivity for autistic students is discussed, alongside recommended directions for future study and practice.
- Published
- 2021