Evaluating a Peer-Education Intervention for Autistic Middle-School Students and Their Peers

Peer-education interventions can be used to improve peer knowledge of autism and attitudes toward autistic students. In this study, we used an embedded experimental mixed methods design to assess the impact and social validity of Kit for Kids, a peer-education intervention for elementary and middle-school students. Sixty-four middle-school students (6th and 7th grade) without autism, three autistic middle-school students, and three teachers participated in the study. Differences in post-test scores on knowledge and attitudes between intervention and control groups were statistically different and changes persisted over a 1-week period. Social validity assessments from participants indicated generally positive feedback for the goals, procedures, and outcomes of the intervention. Qualitative survey responses and semi-structured interviews revealed participant experiences and potential adaptations for future research. We discuss the implications of our work for educators and provide recommendations for future research to support autistic students in inclusive settings.