Extracurricular Participation of Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) within the Cedar Valley
This study investigated participation rates of preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in various extracurricular activities within the Cedar Valley. Families were surveyed about inclusive and targeted opportunities, perceived benefits, and potential barriers to having their child participate in extracurricular activities. Parents of children who participated in Spectrum Theatre Preschool Drama play dates also shared feedback and suggestions specific to that program. The Spectrum Theatre program offers preschoolers opportunities to improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills through drama activities. Results of the survey and discussion for extracurricular program providers, as well as families, will be highlighted.
| Extracurricular Participation of Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) |
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Jennifer Garrett, Ph.D., CCC-SLPAssociate Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders
University of Northern Iowa Jennifer Walz Garrett, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and also serves as a co-director of the Center for Disability Studies in Literacy, Language and Learning at University of Northern Iowa. Dr. Garrett received her doctoral degree at University of Cincinnati in 2007, prior to which she worked as a school speech-language pathologist. Dr. Garrett has expertise in school-aged literacy and language disorders, genetics/syndromes and counseling skills.
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Amanda HuismanGraduate Student, Speech-Language Pathology
University of Northern Iowa Amanda Huisman, BA, is a graduate student in speech-language pathology at University of Northern Iowa. She completed her undergraduate degree in 2014. In the future she plans to work as a speech-language pathologist in a pediatric setting.
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