An exploration into the educational experience of children with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream schools in Ireland from a parent's perspective

Doyle, Áine Jane

An exploration into the educational experience of children with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream schools in Ireland from a parent's perspective

Files

ÃineDoyleCARLReport2024.pdf(1.41 MB)

Published Version

Date

2024

Authors

Doyle, Áine Jane

Publisher

Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork

Abstract

This primary research project was carried out in collaboration with the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism and the CARL project initiative in UCC. The research investigated the experiences of autistic students in mainstream primary and secondary schools, drawing on the parents' perspective. Qualitative research was used in the form of individual semi-structured interviews, of which six participants were interviewed. Participants had to be parents of an autistic child or young person who is or has in the past attended a mainstream primary or secondary school and is a service user of the Rainbow Club Cork Centre for Autism. An epistemological approach of social constructivism was used to gain an understanding of the lived experiences of participants. Following the six interviews, thematic analysis was used to identify five key themes within the data set, which are as follows; The effects of mainstream school attendance on autistic students’ mental health, Difficulty in making friends in mainstream school, Bullying and Social Exclusion, Difficulty accessing alternatives to mainstream school and Importance of a flexible approach in schools. The research findings highlight the overwhelming challenges and difficulties that autistic students face attending mainstream schools. Particular difficulties involving mental health, bullying, and making friends were highlighted by almost all participants.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder in mainstream schools , Rainbow Club Cork , Educational experience of children

Citation

Doyle, Á. J. (2024) An exploration into the educational experience of children with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream schools in Ireland from a parent's perspective. Cork: Community-Academic Research Links, University College Cork.