Playing is not just fun for kids; it’s an important part of early development. As children mature, they progress from playing alone, to playing beside others, to actually interacting and playing with peers. Many children with autism, however, do not make the same progression or make it more slowly. They may line up toys or…
Researchers Sam Odom, Ph.D., director, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and Connie Wong, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Purpose To objectively evaluate a current center-based model of intervention so that families and professionals have access to practical information to make more fully informed choices in the education of young…
Writing can be especially hard for children with autism spectrum disorders. Their deficits in motor skills, imagination, and organization paired with literal thinking makes writing instruction feel like a daunting task. In Planning Instruction and Self-Regulation Training: Effects on Writers with Autism Spectrum Disorders researchers taught three elementary school aged boys a strategy for writing…
Employment is a huge part of the transition to adulthood. For people with ASD and other disabilities, finding appropriate employment can be particularly challenging. This study from September’s issue of Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities highlights a possible technique for helping individuals with autism become independent at work. Researcher’s used covert audio coaching,…
In His Shoes: A Short Journey Through Autism is an excellent introduction to autism and should be required reading for any middle school student participating in a peer tutoring program. Keating-Velasco introduces the reader to Nick, a 13 year old with autism, and shares how he views the world. She writes about common situations such…
Each month OAR will review a study and summarize why the information is useful for you as a parent or member of the autism community. Have you ever noticed how your behavior affects your child with ASD? Ever wonder if parenting stress is more related to problem behaviors or if problem behaviors are more related…
Bridget Taylor is executive director and Kate Britton is the principal and assistant director of Alpine Learning Group, a Paramus, NJ-based program that provides learners with autism and their families comprehensive, scientifically validated educational and behavioral services designed to foster individual growth and personal achievement. Picture it: You are at home alone with your three…
The following article was posted to Children’s Hospital Boston’s health and science blog on November 3rd, 2009 by Ellen Hanson, PhD, of the hospital’s Developmental Medicine Center. “Has autism increased or hasn’t it?” As a researcher and psychologist with a specialty in developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), this is a question I get…
Jed Baker, Ph.D. will provide the opening keynote address for OAR’s 2009 Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference. His presentation will take place at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23. In the article below, he discusses the topic of his presentation. You can also read more about him at the end of the article. During…
A professor in the Division of Applied Research and Educational Support at the University of South Florida, Glen Dunlap, Ph.D. works on research, training, and demonstration projects in the areas of positive behavior support, early intervention, and family support. Currently a member of OAR’s Scientific Council, he has been involved with individuals with disabilities for…
