-
Research-Based Recommendations for Building Self-Advocacy Competence
Self-advocacy, an essential ingredient in our quest for satisfaction and fulfillment in life, is a learned skill that involves self-awareness, social and communication strategies, and behavioral competencies. Self-advocating involves communicating a person’s needs so that another person is able...
-
“Putting Me in My IEP”: Encouraging Self-Advocacy in Younger Students
Parents and guardians may not know that students can participate in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings at any age and not just during post-secondary transition planning in high school. In describing the IEP team, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states “the...
-
Assessing Readiness for Transition to College and College Support Services
High school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), without intellectual or language impairment (ASD-WoILI), are attending college at rates higher than previously reported, but research indicates they may not be receiving the services they need (Kuder & Accardo, 2017). While federal and...
-
A Bridge to Employment
As a student’s remaining time in high school dwindles down to a year or two, school district personnel are challenged to meet the expectations of both students and parents regarding life after high school. Post-secondary education transition brings its own set of challenges while employment...
-
Community Living and Inclusion for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
It was not long ago that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were cared for in settings quite separate and isolated and were deprived of full integration into their communities. Thankfully, in recent decades, the entitlement to community living and learning opportunities...
-
Uniquely Human Podcast #9 – Honoring the Culture of Autism with Michael John Carley
Episode 9 - Honoring the Culture of Autism with Michael John Carley [su_button url="https://uniquelyhuman.com/2021/01/22/michael-john-carley/" style="flat" background="#1f2656" color="#ffffff" size="4" radius="0" icon="icon: music"]Listen to the Podcast![/su_button] [su_spacer...
-
Authentic Strength-Based Practice: Can Neurotypical Professionals Make a Paradigm Shift?
When I talk about my work, it is not about understanding autism from a neurodiverse perspective. That is not for me to do. I am not autistic. I have learned immensely from my partnerships and interactions with autistic individuals. Autistic self-advocates should be leading the way, compensated as...
-
The Journey to Self-Determination
[caption id="attachment_1493" align="alignright" width="301"] Figure 1.1 Continuum of Growth[/caption] The journey to adulthood can be daunting and overwhelming for anyone, especially for young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As parents, friends, professionals, and members of the...
-
Communication Modality Decisions for Individuals with ASD
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have complex needs, and their challenges include social deficits, communication difficulties, and behavioral challenges (APA, 2017). The needs of individuals with ASD necessitate the expertise of several professions, including behavior analysis and...
-
Developing Independence: Teaching Goal Setting Skills to Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
Research conducted amongst the broader population has reported that goal setting is a teachable and effective support strategy, yet it is one that remains under-utilized by the Autism community. The ability to live a meaningful life, with as little reliance on others as possible, is the aim of...
