The independence character of elementary school children with autism: A case study
Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorder, Independence, Elementary school, Visual supports, Case study
Abstract
This case study explores the development of independence in an elementary school-aged child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using qualitative methods—including direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis—the study identified key factors that facilitated independent behavior in both home and school settings. The child demonstrated increased autonomy in daily tasks such as toileting, dressing, and class participation, particularly when supported by structured interventions including visual schedules, task analysis, and token reinforcement systems. A significant finding was the role of consistent collaboration between parents and teachers, which enabled the child to generalize skills across environments. These results affirm the importance of individualized support strategies and inter-setting consistency in promoting independence among children with ASD. The study concludes by recommending sustained, context-sensitive interventions and further research across multiple participants and settings to inform evidence-based practices in special education.References
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Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
British Educational Research Association (BERA). (2018). Ethical Guidelines for Educational Research (4th ed.). London: BERA.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The Ecology of Human Development: Experiments by Nature and Design. Harvard University Press.
Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). The ecology of human development: Experiments by nature and design. Harvard University Press.
Duncan, A. W., & Bishop, S. L. (2015). Understanding the gap between cognitive abilities and daily living skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders with average intelligence. Autism, 19(1), 64–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361313510068
Hodgdon, L. Q. (1995). Visual Strategies for Improving Communication: Practical Supports for School and Home. QuirkRoberts Publishing.
Hume, K., Loftin, R., & Lantz, J. (2009). Increasing independence in children with autism spectrum disorders. Teaching Exceptional Children, 41(6), 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/004005990904100603
Kasari, C., Locke, J., Gulsrud, A., & Rotheram-Fuller, E. (2011). Social networks and friendships at school: Comparing children with and without ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 41(5), 533–544.
Koegel, R. L., Ashbaugh, K., Navab, A., & Koegel, L. K. (2014). Improving empathic communication skills in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(5), 1055–1060. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1946-2
Leaf, J. B., Taubman, M., Bloomfield, S., Palos-Rafuse, M., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., & Weiss, M. J. (2015). Applied behavior analysis is a science and, therefore, progressive. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46, 720–731. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2591-6
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage Publications.
Lindsay, S., Proulx, M., Scott, H., & Thomson, N. (2013). Exploring teachers’ strategies for including children with autism spectrum disorder in mainstream classrooms. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 18(2), 101–122.
Lord, C., Elsabbagh, M., Baird, G., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J. (2018). Autism spectrum disorder. The Lancet, 392(10146), 508–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31129-2
Matson, J. L., Hattier, M. A., & Williams, L. W. (2012). How does autism symptomology correlate with adaptive skills? Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6(1), 294–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.05.010
McConachie, H., & Diggle, T. (2007). Parent implemented early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 13(1), 120–129. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2753.2006.00674.x
Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Mesibov, G. B., & Shea, V. (2010). The TEACCH program in the era of evidence-based practice. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 40(5), 570–579. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0901-6
National Research Council. (2001). Educating Children with Autism. National Academies Press.
Pellicano, E. (2012). The development of executive function in autism. Autism Research and Treatment, 2012, Article ID 146132. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/146132
Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research. Sage Publications.
Volkmar, F. R., Reichow, B., & McPartland, J. C. (2014). Autism and developmental disorders: From science to practice. Springer.
Yin, R. K. (2017). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). Sage Publications.
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Alam, B. T., Susilo, E. A., Alfi, Cindya. (2021). Survei Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran daring di Lingkungan Fakultas Ilmu Pendidikan dan Sosial Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Blitar Tahun 2020. 5(1), 148-153, www.jurnal.unublitar.ac.id/jp.
Engko, C., & Usmany, P. (2020). Dampak Pandemi Covid-19 Terhadap Proses Pembelajaran Online. Jurnal Akuntansi, (online), 6(1), 23–38, (https://ojs3.unpatti.ac.id/index.php/jak/article/view/2709), diakses tanggal 15 Desember 2020.
Jumadi, Flavianus dkk. 2021. Efektivitas Pembelajaran PJOK pada Teknik Dasar Passing Bawah Permainan Bola Voli Melalui Media Daring pada Masa Pandemi Covid 19. Jurnal Pendidikan Kesehatan Rekreasi 7 (2), 423-440.
Mahmud, saifuddin & Idham, Muhammad. (2017). Strategi Belajar Mengajar. Syiah Kuala University Press.
Irwandani, I., & Juariyah, S. (2016). Pengembangan media pembelajaran berupa komik fisika berbantuan sosial media instagram sebagai alternatif pembelajaran. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika Al-Biruni, 5(1), 33.
Sumarno, S., & Irianto, D. P. (2019). Studi eksplorasi klub sepakbola pada Liga 2 Indonesia 2018: Bagaimana cara bertahan dalam keterbatasan?. Jurnal Keolahragaan, 7(2), 104-115.
Published
2026-05-11
How to Cite
Setiawan, A., Fajaruddin, S., Astuti, N. D., Ertanti, D. W., Budyartati, S., Jamilah, J., & Machmudah, M. (2026). The independence character of elementary school children with autism: A case study. Patria Educational Journal (PEJ), 5(3). Retrieved from https://ojs.unublitar.ac.id/index.php/pej/article/view/2639
Section
Articles
