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Your Child’s Right to an Appropriate Transition Plan
One of the main objectives of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is to ensure that children receive an appropriate education that prepares them for further education, employment, and independent living.1 Accordingly, school districts must develop Transition Plans that are...
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A Scaffolded Approach to Supporting Individuals with Autism in the Community
The outcomes for young adults with ASDs are well-known and well-documented. Without intervention young adults with ASD fail to reach basic young adult milestones in terms of independent living, employment, and social and romantic relationships. “Research suggests 70% of individuals with ASD will...
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Uniquely Human Podcast #9 – Honoring the Culture of Autism with Michael John Carley
Episode 9 - Honoring the Culture of Autism with Michael John Carley Overview Michael John Carley joins us to discuss the importance of respecting autism culture in school and at work. Continue the Discussion Do you have a book or podcast club? If so, you may use this discussion guide...
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Embracing Special Interests
My special interests and I have gone through an unusual journey. I almost rejected them upon my initial reaction of dealing with life after high school and knowing the documented struggles with autistic adults. During that time, I decided to aim for work in the autism field by attending community...
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High School Student Forms Nonprofit Devoted to Improving Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Isabella He, a junior at Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, California, started the nonprofit organization SN Inclusion to bring career-technical education to individuals with special needs. SN Inclusion is dedicated to preparing individuals with special needs for careers through...
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My First Employment Experience Working for Autism Spectrum News
I graduated from Marist College in May of 2018. While I was on hiatus as I enjoyed free time for the summer, I was thinking about looking for my first employment experience, but I needed help with planning my next steps. When January came, I started out at Shrub Oak International School, where I...
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How Spectrum Designs Foundation Pivoted to Support First Responders and Healthcare Providers
Six or so weeks ago, when the COVID-19 crisis ramped up and then effectively halted life as we know it, the team at Spectrum Designs Foundation was on schedule to break previous sales records, offer more individuals with Autism paid employment opportunities and open the doors to our anticipated new...
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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...
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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...
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Supporting Young Women with ASD Through Transition Services, Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Over the next decade, approximately half a million young people on the autism spectrum will transition to adulthood (Demer, 2018). When they turn 21, they must leave behind the programming and funding that has supported them throughout their lives, with many families not knowing what to do next....
