Writing Instruction for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review of Literature
Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities
Pennington, R. C., & Delano, M. E. (2012).
Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities, 27(3), 158-167.
This literature review investigates the effect of writing instruction and intervention on writing skills in students on the autism spectrum.
No funding received
1994-2011
Experimental study designs; quasi-experimental study designs; single-case study designs
15
General findings of the review suggest that children on the autism spectrum benefit from interventions targeting writing instruction (e.g., video modeling, assistive technology, self-regulated strategy development, computer-based treatments). While the authors conclude that no single intervention is considered evidence-based due to the small number of participants included and methodological quality of studies, a number of intervention components were considered promising (i.e., modeling, computer-assisted instruction, selecting from an array, positive reinforcement). Further research is warranted.
