Remaking Recess: A School-based Social Engagement Intervention for Children with Autism

• By: Jill Locke, PhD University of Pennsylvania Mark Kretzmann, PhD University of Pennsylvania Tristram Smith, PhD University of Rochester Medical Center David Mandell, ScD University of Pennsylvania Connie Kasari, PhD University of Rochester Medical Center
• October 1st, 2014
• relationships, research, social engagement, social skills
• 2223    0

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 68 children in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With the rising cost of educational services for these children and fiscal challenges that school districts face, it is imperative to identify cost-effective...

Humor is Important to Your Child’s Social Development

• By: Jennifer Jacobs, MS, CCC-SLP Laurie Jacobs, MA, CCC-SLP Social Skill Builder
• October 1st, 2014
• humor, jokes, relationships, social skills, video modeling
• 5770    0

Humor is important for children because being able to tell jokes and laugh with others helps them interact and make friends. Unfortunately, children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tell significantly fewer jokes than their typical peers. Not being able to understand humor or inspire...

Summer Offers Opportunity for Skill Development for Children and Young Adults with ASD

• By: Mike Kunin, MA Jennifer Buri da Cunha, MA Johanna Kinsley, MPA Ramapo for Children
• July 1st, 2013
• camp, relationships, social skills
• 1208    0

Summer can be a perfect time for children and young adults to leave their everyday environments and discover new opportunities for skill development. Yet parents of children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often struggle with the idea of immersing their child in a new...

Using Relationships to Support Children with ASD

• By: Lisa Tazartes Mike Kunin, MA Jennifer Buri da Cunha, MA Kyle Avery Ramapo for Children
• July 1st, 2012
• relationships, social skills
• 2631    0

Working with children, whether as a parent, teacher, or caregiver, is an inherently social process. This is no different when we are talking about children on the autism spectrum. In order to impact children with ASD, the adults in their lives need to employ a set of activities, strategies, and...

Vital Services to Promote Child and Family Resilience

• By: Judy Grossman, DrPH, OTR Ackerman Institute for the Family
• July 1st, 2012
• family, relationships, services
• 1177    0

It is common knowledge that having a child with ASD has an impact on the family, and the family has a profound impact on the developing child. Why then are there so few services to support families as they deal with the cumulative challenges they face managing child behavior, family relationships,...

Healthy Relationships and Sexuality for All

• By: Patricia L. Grossman, LCSW Kari Phillips, LCSW Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS)
• April 1st, 2012
• dating, relationships, sex education, sexuality
• 1408    0

It has become commonplace to read about or hear stories about issues related to people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Healthcare, education, mental health and social services offer options for children that did not exist years ago. As these children grow up, their needs change. Older...

Sexuality, the “Double Vulnerability,” and Youth with ASDs

• By: Samara P. Tetenbaum, PhD Shana Nichols, PhD ASPIRE Center for Learning and Development
• April 1st, 2011
• adolescents, children, exploitation, inappropriate behaviors, legal system, masturbation, relationships, sexcuality, sexuality education, social deficits
• 6415    3

The social deficits of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) place them at an increased risk of experiencing physical or sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation (Gabriels, 2007). However, these same social impairments can also increase their vulnerability to engaging in inappropriate behavior...