Early Educational Pathways: The Influence of Preschool on Kindergarten Placements of Autistic students

• In Event: Research in Progress Roundtable Session 3
  In Invited Roundtable: Research on Students with Disabilities: Race, Inclusion, and Sense of Belonging (Table 11)

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing kindergarten placement for Black and Hispanic children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning from preschool in a large urban school district. While children with ASD are entitled to free and appropriate education under IDEA, Black and Hispanic children face systemic disparities, including misdiagnosis, delayed intervention, and reduced access to inclusive classrooms. These challenges disproportionately place them in restrictive educational settings despite possessing cognitive abilities comparable to their peers.

Using a secondary dataset this research analyzes the role of preschool experience, race, socioeconomic status, and additional demographic factors in shaping placement decisions.

Author

• Jada Leslie Augustine, University of California - Los Angeles