Professional development for enhancing autism spectrum disorder awareness in preschool professionals.

The study investigates the impact of a development programme that aimed to increase kindergarten staff's awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The researcher analysed how employees' approach to work changed after participation in this programme. The research questions are: 1) What differences, if any, were found in attitudes regarding awareness of ASD among kindergarten staff after the intervention? 2) If changes were found, what examples of changed practice did kindergarten staff express?

The results showed an increase in awareness of ASD among the kindergarten staff, suggesting that they changed their practices as a result of the programme. This was particularly evident when it came to adapting the learning environment and implementing measures to prevent challenging situations.

The participants were kindergarten teachers and assistants who worked with children in age-homogeneous groups, including children with ASD and other disabilities. A total of 18 people participated in the pre-test, but only nine completed both the pre- and post-tests and participated in at least two seminars. The seminars included video lectures and group discussions. Questionnaires were used before and after the intervention, and the group discussions were audio recorded. An individual interview was also conducted.

Petersson Bloom, L. (2021). "Professional development for enhancing autism spectrum disorder awareness in preschool professionals". Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 51(3):950-960.