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From Research to Practice: Social Skills Training in a Clinical Setting
The ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships is a cornerstone of successful child development and among the greatest challenges for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; Church, Alisanski, and Amanullah, 2000). Effective interpersonal relationship skills are important for...
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Addressing the Lack of Attention Given to Autism and Mental Health Services in the South Asian Community
As the South Asian community is growing in the United States, so is the focus on the community’s needs and concerns, with mental health being one of the major needs. Such needs often go unspoken due to social taboos and hesitation. The same holds true for the issues related to developmental...
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Green Goods and Services: A New Niche in the Economy for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
What is the Green Goods and Services (GGS) Industry? If you guessed it has something to do with recycling you are partially correct. Green Goods and Services is a broad category of our economy defined by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “The BLS definition of green...
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A Developmental Map to Social Success
Unusual, strained, or scarce social interactions often constitute many of the visible and distinct indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Formal diagnostic descriptions, professional resources, and firsthand accounts delineate innumerable examples of ASD-associated interpersonal behavior....
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14 Practical Strategies for Marriage with Autism and Asperger Syndrome
The Asperger’s Association of New England (formerly known as the Asperger’s Association of New England) (AANE) has been offering the Partner/Spouse and Couples Support Groups for ten years. The couples we see typically consist of a man with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or Asperger Syndrome...
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Why Breaking Up with Siri is Necessary for Those with Autism
Friendships are a tricky thing. They come and go – sometimes at rapid speeds and sometimes it takes decades. They come in many different forms – some are light and airy, while others are strong enough to profoundly change your life. They can be both positive and unfortunately, negative –...
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Three Ways You Can Help Your Child Date Smarter and Feel Less Frustrated
My former client beckoned me over to his table as I sat down for dinner with professor Stephen Shore, who had been a guest at my class. Before I could say, “great to see you,” my former client grabbed the hand of the young lady next to him, held it up high, and proudly showed off the engagement...
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The Social World of Work
Relationships with colleagues and bosses are often the biggest area of struggle for those on the autism spectrum. We live in a society where success is not based on merit, skill or dedication, but on sociability. Usually social and behavioral issues, rather than lack of technical skills, derail...
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The Importance of Socialization for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are defined by three main components/deficits. These are deficits in Communication (receptive/expressive speech and language delay), Behaviors (aka self-stimulatory behaviors or stimming) and Socialization. Communication: these individuals have difficulty with...
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Teaching Social Skills – A Key to Success
As young adults with autism transition from high school to college, work or independent living, they need to have good social skills in order to make friends, engage colleagues and succeed on many levels. When a young adult has a disability, planning ahead is particularly helpful in making a...
