Can school teachers’ willingness to teach ASD-inclusion classes be increased via special education training? Uncovering mediating mechanisms

•Inclusive education has multiple benefits for children with autism, yet, teachers may not always be willing to implement it.•A training program on special education strategies for students with ASD was delivered to school teachers.•The mechanisms underlying the effects of the training on teachers’ behavioral intentions toward inclusive education are examined.•The training increased intentions to teach inclusive classes and implement special education techniques via increasing autism self-efficacy.•The training did not improve attitudes toward inclusion, which predicted teachers’ behavioral intentions toward inclusive education.