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A 30-Year Journey From Skepticism to Acceptance: Reconsidering the Authenticity of Assisted Communication of Nonspeakers
My introduction to assisted communication (AC) for nonspeaking and minimally speaking individuals was in reference to facilitated communication (FC). During July of 1991 at the Autism Society of America's annual conference, I was asked to participate on a panel that was hastily organized to have an...
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Rethinking Evidence-Based Practice for Supporting Nonspeaking Individuals
In considering the issue of evidence-based practice (EBP), we take on a deceptively simple question—what counts as "evidence" of effectiveness of approaches in supporting the communication of nonspeaking autistic individuals? Beneath that question lies a deeper and more contentious issue—how...
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Safe and Inclusive Aquatics for Autistic Individuals: An Evidence-Based Approach to Water Safety and Skill Development
Key Points Autistic individuals often experience significant barriers to recreation, limiting social engagement, physical development, and overall well‑being. Drowning risk remains a major safety concern, with autistic children being 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical...
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Supporting Children with Autism Through the Early Childhood to School-Age Special Education Transition
The transition from Preschool to Kindergarten is a significant milestone in any child’s life. For children with disabilities, however, particularly children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be particularly complex (Marsh et al., 2017). It is a season filled with mixed emotions:...
