The ‘Perspective’ column provides readers of The OARacle a firsthand account on a range of topics related to autism from someone affected by a developmental disorder. This month’s features an article about Summer Living with Autism by Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D., originally published in the May 2005 issue of The OARacle. Just as summertime is…
With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, all thoughts turn to summer. It’s the time of year when we kick back, take time to relax (or at least slow down), and enjoy outdoor activities. As I reflect back on my summers as a child, one activity in particular stands out above all others…
For many of us, autism spectrum risk and safety management is a daily concern. We now know that with the increase in autism diagnoses, there is also a corresponding increase of autism-related contacts with law enforcement, community safety and juvenile and criminal justice organizations and professionals. Across the nation, autism advocacy organizations are increasingly addressing…
This article describes a pilot program focused on transitions that adolescents with autism spectrum disorders experience conducted by the Families for Effective Treatment of Autism of Washington. OAR’s President, Dr. Peter Gerhardt, served as a consultant to the project. While set in the Seattle area, it illustrates a programmatic and collaborative approach toward successfully teaching…
Over the past 10 years, much has been written about facilitating social skill development in persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Intensive efforts to teach social skills from very young ages have made the newest generation of young people with ASD more socially aware and skilled than the previous generation. However, the onset of adolescence…
Note to readers: In each issue of The OARacle, we provide a helpful resource on a topic of interest within the autism community. This month’s article focuses on Educational Services for Children with Autism. Special thanks to Dr. Anita Breslin, Psy.D., BCBA for her contribution. It is currently estimated that approximately one in 166 children…
It is currently estimated that approximately one in 166 children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Public schools throughout the country are faced with an increasing number of classified children who present with an ASD diagnosis and there is much debate as to whether our educational system can appropriately meet the educational needs of children…
Everyone encounters frustrating, frightening, or irritating situations on a daily basis. For most of us, the initial feelings of anger or stress come quickly but subside as we “talk ourselves down” or get support from another person in managing the situation. In some cases, however, the intensity of the anger or anxiety can become too…
Note to readers: In each issue of The OARacle, we provide a helpful resource on a topic of interest within the autism community. This month’s article focuses on safety tips for families affected by autism. Special thanks to Janet Fernandez, who works with the police forces in Sacramento, Calif. to investigate cases of abuse, for…
Note to readers: In each issue of The OARacle, we provide a helpful resource on a topic of interest within the autism community. This month’s article focuses on special needs planning for families affected by autism. Special thanks to Theresa Waddell for her contribution. No one plans to have a child with special needs. When…
