-
Changing the Mindset of Autistic Children and Adolescents
A major focus of our collaboration has been to elaborate upon the concepts of both mindsets and resilience (Brooks and Goldstein, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2012; Goldstein and Brooks, 2005, 2007). We propose that all people possess a set of assumptions about themselves and others that influence their...
-
To Be or Not to Be (Autistic) – The New Generation of Kids Who Are Almost Autistic, But Not Quite
Parents of children diagnosed on the high functioning side of the Spectrum confront the quandary of whether concealing their kids’ diagnoses in avoidance of discrimination, or disclosing them to educate others on the many layers of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). There is, however, a...
-
A Child’s Right to Positive Behavioral Interventions
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are complex neurobiological disorders of early brain development. The deficits associated with ASDs may affect many aspects of individuals’ lives including socialization, such as developing relationships, communication, and activities of daily living. Government...
-
Executive Functions: Skills to Promote Success in School and Beyond
Many children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA) struggle with impairments in executive functioning (EF). Executive functions are defined as “an umbrella construct defined as the control, supervisory, or self-regulatory functions that organize and direct all...
-
Planning for Children with Special Needs
Our special children with disabilities need our love, devotion, energy, compassion and patience. However, this is not enough. Their special needs also demand special planning. Parents of children with special needs know that their child will require lifetime care, care that can be both complex and...
-
Identifying Émigré Children with Special Needs in Mainstream Preschools
Irina was puzzling to her teachers in the day care center. For a 3 ½ year old, she spoke very little, sometimes mixing English and Russian words or phrases. She seemed to like being nearby the other children but did not initiate interaction or seem to follow the sequence of activities going on...
-
View From the Spectrum – Matching Best Practice to Children’s Needs
Boom! The “Autism Bomb” explodes. Like many children with regressive autism I lost functional communication, had tantrums, engaged in self-stimulatory and abusive behaviors beginning at 18 months. Others are affected earlier and mothers may report that their child was “different” even...
