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Autism Training for First Responders: A Lesson in Safety
The public asks a tremendous amount from our first responders. As we run away from danger, they are the ones who run in. Without hesitation they put themselves in the line of danger every day, and we as a society are forever grateful for their dedication to our welfare and to their potential...
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Beyond Olmstead: Housing for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 established that all people with disabilities, including those with ASD, have a legal right against discrimination in most facets of life, such as employment, education, and housing. In 1999, in the landmark case, Olmstead v. L.C.,...
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Overview of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Individuals with Autism
There is growing anecdotal evidence of a lack of awareness within the autism community of available vocational rehabilitation (employment) services. Among those who do know about these services, there is also evidence of some misinformation and skepticism. Vocational rehabilitation is a...
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A Brief Overview of the Special Needs Trust
You don’t have to look too far to find reports on how medical costs have skyrocketed - and this is just for the general population. For persons with disabilities, medical costs are typically greater by an order of magnitude. Also, a child with severe disabilities may be unable to live...
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Sexuality, the “Double Vulnerability,” and Youth with ASDs
The social deficits of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) place them at an increased risk of experiencing physical or sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation (Gabriels, 2007). However, these same social impairments can also increase their vulnerability to engaging in inappropriate behavior...
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Accessing and Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Benefits
One of the great mysteries in American governmental programs, second only to Medicare/Medicaid, is SSDI and SSI. While they are wonderful programs, keep in mind Congress implemented them – hence the confusing names and acronyms. I leave it to others to ponder if the confusion was on purpose or...
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When Behaviors Result in Real Trouble: Legal Challenges in Individuals with ASD
When we think about legal matters and individuals with ASD, we often think of the relationship between the law and advocacy. Legal entitlements apply to individuals with disabilities, a free and appropriate education is guaranteed, and certain accommodations must be made to make settings and...
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ASD and Internet Crime
In the past few years a disturbing trend has emerged. Increasing numbers of ASD individuals are being arrested and incarcerated for internet crimes involving child pornography and inappropriate contact with minors. As a clinician who specializes in autism spectrum disorders, I have been asked by...
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How to Combine Cooperation and Advocacy at Your IEP Meeting
The IEP season is now in “full swing” and parents often wonder how they should conduct themselves at their child’s IEP meeting. It truly is a balancing act to be “cooperative” with your child’s IEP team while also advocating for the educational supports that are appropriate for your...
