By Robert L. Koegel, Lynn Kern Koegel, and Kelsey Oliver In spite of the noted importance of having programs for developing socialization in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), many children with ASD receive no support while they are in school, most notably during times like recess and lunch when there should be many opportunities…
When individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their family members, and educational professionals think about the term “inclusion” and its meaning, different ideas, expectations, and concerns often result. For some, “inclusion” is synonymous with fully inclusive education alongside peers throughout the day; others may think of “inclusion” as participation with peers in some educational activities…
Although there are strong support organizations and programs for college students with autism, such as the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Project (GRASP) and Drexel University’s program for students (DASP), professors do not necessarily have access to similar resources for teaching students with autism. Yet they are responsible for accommodating a student’s academic plan and…
The Harvard Review of Psychiatry recently highlighted a significant upsurge in the number of people with autism spectrum disorders attending college in its summaries of the latest findings in ASD research. As a result of that upsurge, more and more colleges and universities are offering programs that support college students with autism. Even so, academic…
How can awareness drive acceptance and the fullest opportunity for increased quality of life for those affected by autism? This April, we invite you to turn awareness into acceptance by looking through these steps to see which would be a good fit for you and your community. Taken from several past articles written for Autism…
When asked by a playmate, “What is wrong with you?” my daughter simply replied: “There is nothing wrong with me… I am autistic.” As her mother, I see part of my job as helping to ensure that Kitty is a part of the class (not only in elementary school but throughout her life). Although there…
For this month’s Message, The OARacle is featuring two parents’ perspectives on what back-to-school means for their children and families. School is one of the most critical elements of future success for all children, meaning that every decision – including something as basic as selecting the right school – can be a difficult endeavor for…
For parents in the autism community, managing transitions and change seems to be a constant focus. Anticipating, preparing for, and coping with the potential unpleasantries of the unknown and the unexpected can require a lot of energy. While school typically provides a great deal of structure and predictability, each fall brings new teachers, classrooms, and…
With the recent CDC publication regarding the prevalence of autism in the United States, the debate about best practices in special education has grown more divisive. A recent NPR story by Deena Prichep highlighted the two sides, broadly speaking, of the debate: integrated classrooms (the inclusion model) or specialized schools. As the number of students with…
