Perkins School for the Blind Transition Center

Archive for the ‘Spring 2020 Issue’ Category

Individual with Autism Succeeds from Classroom to Career

When you ask those who know Christopher Payne about his work performance, comments like “incredibly hard worker,” “enthusiastic” and “positive” resonate. Chris landed a staff position at NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc.) as a commodities administration specialist...

Presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Females: Diagnostic Complexities and Implications for Clinicians

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by pervasive deficits in social communication and patterns of restricted, repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and interests (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Beyond the main diagnostic criteria, however, there is...

Providing Menstrual Care Instruction to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Adolescence is a developmental period that brings challenges to all children and parents. More extensive challenges can be experienced by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Understanding and coping with the physical, social, and emotional changes of adolescence is...

With Greta Thunberg in Time’s Spotlight, Those on the Spectrum Seeing “a Profound Moment”

In just several months, Greta Thunberg, 16, has flayed international leaders, electrified climate advocates and served notice that her generation will bring new urgency to saving the planet. Her voice is forceful, her intensity unapologetic and her expressions candid. She’s also on the autism...

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Preparation Tips for Families Affected by Autism

As Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, with the help of fellow board members of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), we have gathered some tips and suggestions to keep in mind with the rise of COVID-19...

A Shift Towards Better Understanding and Improving the Lives of Girls and Women With ASD

It has been widely established that females are less frequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than males. On average, prevalence of ASD is four times higher in males than in females (Baio et al., 2018). This ratio appears to be an inaccurate representation of prevalence by...

Mentors Over White Knights – How to Support Autistic Women for Success

Like many neurotypical girls, I spent a lot of time growing up either reading or watching fairy tales in books or television. What’s peculiar about women on the Autism Spectrum is that our advocates sometimes mimic those white knights in shining armor; Meaning that someone on our care team will...

Addressing the Female-Specific Challenges of Autism at Yes She Can

Empowerment is the theme that is woven into the training model at Yes She Can, Inc. Training young women with autism to be successful employees starts with a shared belief that women with autism can develop powerful voices in their own lives and in supporting the lives of others. We integrate...

Meeting the Unique Needs of Women on the Autism Spectrum

The research on adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) suggests that outcomes for adult women with ASD are especially poor relative to those of men (Taylor, Henninger, & Mailick, 2015). These findings stand in sharp contrast to research reports that find women and men with primary ASD are...

Hormonal Fluctuations and Women with Autism: A Call for Increased Awareness and Assessment

The topic of hormonal influences on women with autism has received scant attention from health care researchers. The responses to hormonal fluctuations and/or depletion of estrogen are varied and present challenges in health care prevention and promotion for some women with autism. Treatment...