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Enhancing Communication: The Case for Teaching Public Speaking Skills to Autistic Individuals
“My stomach feels kind of weird,” an autistic middle school student once said to me when I asked him how he was feeling before he went on stage to co-host a talent show with me. I told him that he was experiencing anxiety, and people describe this as having “butterflies in your stomach.” As...
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The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina: Advancing Direct Care Services to Improve Outcomes
In 2023, about 22.5% of people with a disability in the U.S. were employed, a shocking contrast to their age-matched, non-disabled peers that are employed at 65.8% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). Over the next decade, a significant number of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),...
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Wellbeing Over Standardization: A Better Approach to Clinical Training
As autism care continues to evolve, one of the greatest challenges has been moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Emotional wellness and overall wellbeing are deeply personal, varying from individual to individual, and any effective treatment must reflect this truth. Catalight Classroom is...
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Breaking My 33-Year Silence: Living with Autism and Finding Acceptance
As we celebrate World Autism Awareness/Acceptance Day, I feel compelled to share a story I have kept private for thirty-three years—not just to raise awareness but to advocate for a world that respects neurodiversity. For most of my life, I have witnessed others define autism from the outside...
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Social Communications: An Essential but Often Overlooked Skill for Autistics
Autism has been described, and sometimes defined, as a disorder of communication. This is certainly the case for nonverbal autistics and others who are completely unable to communicate, but it is just as true for those who are articulate and able to express themselves verbally. For them, autism is...
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Overcoming Barriers in Math Education and Assessment for Autistic Children
In the 21st century, there is no disagreement that a math education is considered important for all students, including those with disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), so that their access and success contribute to the development of skills necessary for an independent life. Good...
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Artificial Intelligence in Education: Benefits and Risks for Neurodivergent Students
Artificial Intelligence (AI), seemingly all of a sudden, has permeated our world. New advances in technologies have the potential to assist students inside and outside the classroom and increase the potential for independence and success. AI can be used by educators to support students. It can be...
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Supporting Autism Service Providers: Challenges, Solutions, and Collective Action
Alex, an autism service provider and early intervention specialist, begins his workday at the community’s autism support center, where he’s scheduled to work with Mia, an eight-year-old girl on the autism spectrum. Mia, who is non-verbal, has shown a keen interest in participating in activities...
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What Families With Autism Should Consider When Evaluating School Programs
One of the greatest challenges parents of children with disabilities face is finding the most appropriate educational program. When searching for a school for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the task can be complex. Understanding instructional and social variables can help parents make...
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Supporting Autistic Adults: Am I College Ready?
Am I college ready? Such a question drew the attention of high school senior students in college readiness sessions at AHRC New York City’s Middle/High School. College readiness encompasses academic, social, and emotional learning support for students with autism and intellectual disabilities to...
