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Transition Planning for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders – Where Are They Going? Why There? How Do We Get Them There?
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders receive tremendous amounts of specialized intervention during their educational years. During that time, the focus is generally on skill acquisition and behavior reduction, with a general goal of increasing competence. These interventions are often not...
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Transition to Adulthood – It’s Not Just About a Daytime Activity!
When people with autism and other developmental disabilities, their families and professionals discuss “transition planning,” the focus is generally on day programs, supported employment, advanced education or competitive employment. The transition from Department of Education services upon...
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Support that Really Works – LifeMAP Coaching for Adults with Asperger Syndrome
Toni (name changed) has lived alone for most of her 63 years, plagued with a nagging sense of hopelessness and never enough money. With no family supports to speak of, she often felt utterly alone. Her tiny government-subsidized apartment used to be crammed floor-to-ceiling with old books, papers,...
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The Benefits and Dangers Behind Social Networking
On a daily basis, I walk into the classroom and find my students all glued to the computer screens waiting for class to begin. Before I ask them to log-off so I can begin the class, I quickly glance over their shoulders to see what they are doing online. What I find is that a majority of my...
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The Challenge of Vocational Rehabilitation Programs for Individuals on the Spectrum
As individuals on the spectrum, we're different. We try to conform to the mold. Yet no matter how hard we work, it's not good enough for the neurotypical (NT) world. The agencies that are supposed to serve the disabled can't assist us because we don't fit in with their usual population. When...
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The Challenges of the Law for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically in recent years. In the coming years, these children identified with ASD in early life will be reaching adolescence and early adulthood. Their sheer numbers – according to the CDC, an average of 1 in...
