Autism Speaks Awards iPads to 800 Individuals with Autism – Pilot Study Showed Their Effectiveness on the Communication Skills of Individuals with ASD

• By: Ali Waters Autism Speaks
• January 1st, 2014
• assistive communication technology, augmentative communication devices, autism communication skills, autism iPad donation, autism research studies, communication, educational technology apps, minimally verbal autism support, speech generating devices, technology
• 2248    0

On December 9, 2013, Autism Speaks donated iPad 2’s to 800 financially disadvantaged individuals with autism, as well as teachers and social workers who work in the autism community with individuals in need. After the iPad grant application was announced in November, Autism Speaks received...

Robots as Co-Therapists in Behavior Therapy for Individuals with ASD

• By: Joshua John Diehl, PhD Charles R. Crowell, PhD Michael Villano, PhD Kristin Wier, MA, LLP, BCBA Karen Tang, MA University of Notre Dame
• July 1st, 2013
• applied behavior analysis, Behavioral Intervention, communication, human-robot interaction, research, response variability, robot-assisted therapy, social skills training, technology, treatment outcomes
• 2278    0

Recent technological advances have opened the possibility of using robots in therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This approach has received a lot of press, but to date most research has focused on developing the robots rather than clinical issues related to the use of...

Maintaining Social Skills Over the Summer

• By: Maria Slavin, MS, OTR/L COLLAGE
• April 1st, 2013
• communication, communication skills, family activities, IEP goals, language, peer interaction, skill maintenance, social skills development, special needs education, summer learning
• 2620    0

Summer is a time for relaxation and fun, however certain skills acquired during the school year can be lost if they are not practiced consistently over the course of the entire year. One of the first things parents should identify, are IEP goals targeted by school staff to be maintained over...

Summertime Games and Simple Strategies to Reinforce Social Skills

• By: Kari Phillips, LCSW Norma Litman, LCSW Patricia L. Grossman, LCSW Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS)
• April 1st, 2013
• communication, coping strategies, play, sensory issues, services, Social Skills and Development, summer
• 2382    0

Summertime is fun time for most children. School routines give way to relaxation, perhaps at summer day or sleep away camp – and there’s no studying. While most typically developing children welcome this, it can become problematic for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). That’s why...

Helping Children with Social Skills Difficulties: The Benefits of Extended School Year Instruction

• By: Michael Selbst, PhD, BCBA-D Behavior Therapy Associates
• April 1st, 2013
• and Caregivers, and Interventions, Assessment and Diagnosis, communication, coping strategies, Education / School, family, mental health, parents, services, Social Skills and Development, summer, treatments
• 2748    0

While it may feel like we are still trying to dig out from recent winter storms and stay warm, spring time is fast approaching. Over the next several months, parents and special education teams once again will begin to consider children’s needs for the summer and next school year. Many children...

ASN Winter 2013 Issue

• January 1st, 2013
• communication, education, inclusion, independence, learning challenges, school systems, support strategies
• 4293    0

"Exploring Educational Challenges and Opportunities"   Articles in This...

A Collaborative Education Creates a “Lifestyle” for Learners with Autism

• By: AutismAIMS, LLC
• January 1st, 2013
• collaboration, communication, education, inclusion, independence, motivation, real life skills, school
• 2388    0

Education is defined by dictionary.com as: 1) The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for “mature” (complete in natural growth or development)...

Setting the Stage for School: A Guide for Parents

• By: Debra Reicher, PhD Carolyn Waldecker, PsyD The Hagedorn Little Village School
• January 1st, 2013
• communication, early intervention, Education / School, family, parenting, sensory issues, transition planning, visual supports
• 2499    0

It is an extraordinary milestone when any child enters school for the first time. This event is often marked with excitement, anxiety, ambivalence and tears of fear and joy for both the child and his or her family. Entrusting the care of your child into the hands of another can be anxiety...

Jack’s Birthday

• By: Carrie Cariello
• July 1st, 2012
• anxiety, childhood development, communication, family, neurodiversity, parenting, personal stories
• 2556    0

Every year I write each of my children a letter on their birthday and keep it in a small journal. These letters describe the person they are at that particular age; their likes and dislikes, favorite activities, and overall temperament. This letter is to my autistic son, Jack, as he celebrates his...

Motivational Interviewing – A Useful Approach for Families and Counselors Planning for Post-Secondary Transition

• By: Christine Alter, LCSW New York Institute of Technology Vocational Independence Program
• July 1st, 2012
• college, communication, counseling, job interview, motivational interviewing, post-secondary education, readiness for change, self-determination, transition to adulthood
• 8095    0

Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach which was originally developed to work with substance abusers to assess and facilitate readiness for treatment. Its principles and techniques have been proven effective when dealing with people who are ambivalent about change. Motivational...