Abstract
DisCrit, critical race theory, disability rights, deficit thinking, and critical PR all lend themselves to a strong argument for autism inclusion in general education settings. In this chapter, an inclusion framework based upon multidisciplinary scholarship is offered for use across not only teacher preparation, but also industry sectors, higher education, K12 districts, and school sites. Theoretically, the multidisciplinary scholarship leading to this curriculum was detailed with a new proposed AutCrit scholarship examined and considered. The tools of a future with a possible AutCrit scholarship would use new tools and new ways of thinking built on the critical scholarship and rejecting tools of historic oppression that led to the challenges that both individuals with autism and the practices of inclusion face in parallel today.
TopBackground
Unspeakable violence or unthinkable tragedy affect individuals with autism with disparity as they attempt to peacefully lead their lives: Kenneth French, Elijah McClain, Paul Lee, Eyad Hallaq, and Feda and Mu Almaliti are but a few examples. Inclusion, indeed, is a matter of life and death (Nerren, 2021), yet inclusion is broken as it is practiced today. To say inclusion is broken comes from the critical scholarly literature (Annamma, & Handy, 2021; Annamma & Morrison, 2018; Annama et al., 2018; Annamma, et al., 2013; Connor, et al., 2016; Cizek, 2017, 2020; Sólorzano et al., 2005). Without critical scholarship, this could not be said. Rather, something technical, or complicated or watered-down might be substituted in its place. It is because of critical scholarship that the problems affecting inclusion can be stated, and therefore, subsequently addressed. Scholars can and should do better to separate the relics of a past filled with separation and segregation as it pertains to inclusion. In this chapter, critical scholarship across multiple disciplines will be discussed and a critical inclusion scholarship will be proposed under the newly proposed idea of an AutCrit thread of scholarship.
Proposing new scholarship and new approaches is essential to the success of inclusion. To this day much of inclusion is framed in the context of oppressive scholarship of the past. This practice will continue to be problematic unless it is replaced. In a precursor to Kaufman’s (2017) work, Lazarsfeld and Merton (2000) asked important questions about what they called “propaganda as a social objective” (p.27). Their questions highlight the need for ethical use of framing, with a deep acknowledgement that framing issues can be deeply problematic or deeply beneficial, and that both are possible using the same tools (Lazarsfeld & Merton, 2000).
One example of tools that can be constructive or problematic, is the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. The current Vineland test helps to identify and diagnose autism. Yet, the modern-day Vineland comes from the Vineland Social Maturity Scale of the 1930’s (Saulnier, 2018). The original Vineland came from a research facility that put eugenics ideas to practice including atrocities of segregation and sterilization (Ilyes, 2020). These practices led to the state hospitals that were later largely disbanded in the 1970’s due to civil rights violations of individuals with differences who have the right to live free lives. Through it all, Vineland persists. Vineland tracks directly back to hurt and harm, and also, today, helps parents and families access services for assistance and support.
In another example, in an overlap of communication and education, the scholar Yerkes (1908) developed arousal theory. This older theory describes a process where the right level of arousal for the task created a significant increase in response (Yerkes, 1908). In the classroom, this theory states that the right amount of stimuli can increase performance in learning. However, the creator of this theory was similarly a head mastermind of eugenics being institutionalized into society as a whole and into the institution of higher education specifically (Selden, 1999). When this theory gets used or build upon it supports a framework of racism, white supremacy, and hateful ideology. There needs to be new theories and new practices that may not be steeped in such a dark part of our history.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Inclusion: Removing barriers to full participation in everyday activities including addressing policy, attitude, perspective, physical spaces, and communication ( Hassanein, 2015 ; Sansosti, & Sansosti, 2012 AU81: The in-text citation "Sansosti, & Sansosti, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Teacher Preparation: The postbaccalaureate process a teacher goes through in order to become a teacher which typically involves a credential program, an induction program and sometimes a Master’s degree, depending on state and program (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 AU94: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2016" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 AU95: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Prekindergarten Through Twelfth Grade (PK12): The years of primary and secondary education before a student goes to college that are typically taught by a teacher with a teaching credential. (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 AU86: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2016" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 AU87: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA): A law that makes education available and free to individuals with disabilities in the public school setting tailored to individual needs of each student (IDEA, 2004 AU82: The in-text citation "IDEA, 2004" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; U.S. Department of Education, 2012 AU83: The in-text citation "U.S. Department of Education, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Preliminary Credential: The authorization given by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in the state of California. There are single subject and multiple subject credentials, with the primary difference being that single subject credentialed teachers teach grades 7-12 or specialized subjects like music or art while multiple subject credentials teach at the elementary level (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 AU88: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2016" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 AU89: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Autism Medical Diagnosis: Autism is a complex neurological disorder affecting communication and behavior and is diagnosed by a doctor (American Psychiatric Association DSM-5 Task Force, 2013 AU80: The in-text citation "Task Force, 2013" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Part of the IDEA laying out that each student in special education should learn in the least restrictive environment possible, and is part of the law that protects students rights in special education from being separated from general education students whenever possible (IDEA, 2004 AU84: The in-text citation "IDEA, 2004" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; U.S. Department of Education, 2012 AU85: The in-text citation "U.S. Department of Education, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Autism Educational Eligibility: A developmental disability affecting communication and social interaction in a way that adversely affects educational performance and is identified by professionals in a school setting (IDEA, 2004 AU78: The in-text citation "IDEA, 2004" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; U.S. Department of Education, 2012 AU79: The in-text citation "U.S. Department of Education, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Teacher Candidate: A student in a post baccalaureate program who is studying to become a PK12 teacher and/or acquire a teaching credential (California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016 AU92: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2016" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2017 AU93: The in-text citation "Teacher Credentialing, 2017" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Special Education: A type of educational system in the United States that is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals identified by the schools as qualifying for special education, sometimes also carrying a medical diagnosis and including classroom support, related services, and supports and accommodations. Special education is taught by educators with a special education credential, who go through different coursework and preparation (IDEA, 2004 AU90: The in-text citation "IDEA, 2004" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ; U.S. Department of Education, 2012 AU91: The in-text citation "U.S. Department of Education, 2012" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).