Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

The present study investigates the educational needs of primary school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as their parents’ involvement in the educational process. Autism has been renamed as “autism spectrum disorder”, according to the DSM-V, the most up-to-date “Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders”. The difficulties caused that arise in everyday life are numerous and are key factors of daily routine such as socialization, learning, language use and imagination. ASD is not a disease and the therapeutic approaches that have been adopted over the years are not a cure. The science of special education has taken bold steps, creating teams of well-trained scientists who in collaboration with special schools and family deliver unique and hopeful results. Education, work and all areas of daily life are an inalienable right of every person and diversity should be well respected. This article examines primary education topics and matters regarding children with ASD like methods, results and parental involvement. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used in the form of interviews and questionnaires distributed in primary schools in Greece. Through this research, adequate and important information of the current situation in Greece regarding special education and children with ASD will be given. Conclusions and suggestions are discussed concerning both the literature in order to offer better understanding of the subject and to further improve the educational services of this population group.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, pervasive developmental disorder, PDD, autism, Rett syndrome, primary education, family, diagnosis, special education, diversity, Cyprus