Factors associated with implementation of a school-based comprehensive program for students with autism.

The purpose of this study was to identify influences on the implementation of a school-based, comprehensive program for autistic students. Influences from the community context, from within the school organization, and from features of the intervention itself were examined. The study took place in 39 elementary schools in a southeastern state in the United States. Transformational leadership style of the building principal, percentage of white students at the school (which was proposed as a broader community socioeconomic variable), and adequacy of coaching were all associated with implementation.