Parental Perspectives on Inclusion: Effects of Autism and Down Syndrome

This study examined effects of a child's diagnosis (autism vs. Down syndrome), age, and current educational placement on parental perceptions toward inclusion. Parents of Down Syndrome children tended to endorse full-time inclusion, whereas parents of children with autism endorsed part-time mainstreaming. Parents of younger children and parents of children already in general-education programs were also more positive toward inclusion. (Author/DB)