Graduation Term

Fall 2025

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Department of Educational Administration and Foundations: Educational Administration

Committee Chair

Perry Schoon

Committee Member

Lydia Kyei-Blankson

Committee Member

Joshua Olsen

Abstract

This school improvement project applies the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) model to explore strategies to increase peer engagement among preschool students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a developmental playroom setting. Play is a cornerstone of early childhood development, fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth. However, children with ASD often encounter challenges in engaging with play environments due to social communication difficulties and sensory processing differences. Grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, this project adopts a Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) framework to facilitate peer interactions and enhance engagement in inclusive play settings.

The intervention focuses on guiding children with ASD in preferred play activities while inviting neurotypical peers to participate, creating opportunities for reciprocal interactions and social skill development. Data is collected through mixed methods, including behavioral observations of joint attention, social interactions, and communication skills, as well as qualitative insights from teachers, parents, and peers. Iterative cycles of intervention and reflection guide adaptations to the approach, ensuring alignment with the developmental needs of the students.

The anticipated outcomes include increased participation in play activities, improved quality and frequency of peer interactions, and greater generalization of social skills across settings. This school improvement initiative aims to provide educators and practitioners with actionable strategies for creating inclusive play environments that support the developmental and social-emotional growth of preschool students with ASD, ultimately fostering a more equitable and engaging learning experience.

Access Type

Dissertation-Open Access

Download

Share

COinS