Российский психологический журнал (Mar 2022)
A Child with ASD in Kindergarten: Resources for Teachers’ Psychological Readiness
Abstract
Introduction. This paper presents a new look at the issue of training preschool teachers and examines the practical training of psychology and education professionals for working with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In recent years, the number of preschools with compensatory groups has increased by an average of 30% over the past decade, requiring the creation of the conditions for the education and development of children with ASD. This study aims to determine the resources of teachers’ psychological readiness to work with children with ASD in preschool educational institutions. Methods. The study used an analysis of psychological and educational literature, regulatory documents for the organization of the education process and psychological and pedagogical support for children with ASD, as well as an author questionnaire containing 8 questions that assessed psychological and educational knowledge, level of knowledge, difficulties and the necessary support for teachers working with children with ASD. The study included 60 preschool teachers working with children with ASD. The results of the survey identified specific aspects of teaching in working with children with ASD and the difficulties in organizing teacher work for compensatory groups. The most difficult is the transition from the theoretical knowledge of children with ASD to practical work with this category of children. Discussion. This study confirms previous findings that teachers working with preschoolers with ASD lack special knowledge and skills to deal with these children’s problems and improve their skills. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained in this study, it is possible to establish a trajectory for the professional training of teachers and educators working with children with ASD and to include the module aimed at forming systemic theoretical knowledge of developmental disabilities and practical skills in working with modern technologies to teach and educate this category of children and to interact with parents in the university curriculum for future teachers.
Keywords
