Examining the attitudes and physiological responses preservice learners have towards children with autism spectrum disorders

This study investigated attitudes and physiological responses demonstrated by preservice learners towards young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) and two physiological measures (skin conductance and heart rate responses) were obtained. Four behaviors (two control and two problematic) depicting preschool-age males with ASD were viewed by preservice learners who either had limited (n = 15) or substantial experience (n = 15) in working with this population. Results revealed significant differences between behaviors (control versus problematic) on two out of three SAM ratings and on both physiological measures. Specifically, the results documented that regardless of level of experience, preservice learners exhibited increased arousal when watching problematic behaviors.