Perkins School for the Blind Transition Center

Archive for the ‘Winter 2014 Issue’ Category

Technology and Autism

Technology is a beautiful thing. It can change lives. Years ago, our friend Charlie, who has since passed away, remarked that “someday, we will be able to collect all of our information and store it in a device the size of a credit card.” Charlie did not live to see his auspicious vision. So...

Studies Map Gene Expression Across Brain Development

Now that genetic studies have implicated several hundred genes in autism, researchers are turning their attention to where and when in the healthy young brain these genes are expressed. The first two studies to tackle these questions appeared on November 21, 2013 in Cell. One report, led by...

Digital Storytelling Enhances Self-Expression for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

At AHRC News York City, digital storytelling is enhancing self-expression for individuals on the autism spectrum through a community service-learning partnership with Pace University. AHRC New York City is a large, family-governed, nonprofit organization that has been serving individuals with...

Maximize Social Learning by Combining Portable Technologies and Proven Video Modeling Techniques

If you are looking for a way to bridge the social language gap to help kids with ASD, Asperger’s and other learning disabilities achieve success in social situations; interactive video modeling tops my list. This method has research-validated results, and I have seen my own clients grow by leaps...

Scaling Inclusive Practices Through Technology

While the concept of “including” students with disabilities has only recently entered the collective consciousness of educational reformers nationwide, it is far from being a new fad or trend. The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act...

The Pitfalls and Potential of Technology: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Rapid advances in technology over the past decade have led to an overwhelming number of products put on the market to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The sheer number of products (from computer games to apps to robots!) can be intimidating. Moreover, many product lines make enticing claims...

One School’s Experience Engaging Students with Autism Through Technology

Educators, clinicians, therapists and other professionals continue to look for new ways of using technology to benefit students with autism. Video modeling to teach social or self-regulation skills, individualized computer-assisted instruction, and augmentative communication devices are widely...

NIH Study Finds Attention to Others’ Eyes Declines in 2 to 6-Month-Old Infants Later Diagnosed with Autism

Eye contact during early infancy may be a key to early identification of autism, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health. Published this week in the journal Nature, the study reveals the earliest sign of developing...

Using Technology to Provide Evidenced-Based Outcome Data to Make Better Decisions

Schools, provider agencies and parents are concerned with looming cuts in special education services.  Schools, provider agencies and parents are looking to become more efficient and effective with their programs. The Devereux School of NY has meet the challenge by partnering with Operant...

Developing Self-Reflection and Resilience in Adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism

Some key ingredients to success as an adult in college or in work are: self-awareness, self-reflection, stress management, social competence, and resilience. This is true for everyone with and without disability. It would be fabulous if we could eliminate stress from all our lives; however stress...