The research involved interviews or written responses from 6 autistic learners about their experiences of emergency remote teaching (ERT) during the school closures of 2020-2021. The data was collected via three face-to-face interviews, one online interview, and two written responses to the semi-structured interview questions.
The data revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic was, overall, a negative experience for most participants. In particular, they missed the routines of school, the student-teacher relationship, and staff feedback and support with learning. The implications and connections between ERT, learner mental health and theories of motivation and engagement are also explored.
It is recommended that further research should focus on developing better understanding of the relationship between autistic learners' experiences of ERT and their current motivations and attitudes towards school and learning.