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…
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…
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…
A member of OAR’s Scientific Council and the recipient of the 2004 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award and the 2006 Princeton Fellowship Award, Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., has written numerous articles and books, including Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns (with Southwick) and Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence:…
We all know this rule: Don’t go anywhere with a stranger. But let’s say you meet a cute guy at the movies. The two of you chat for a few minutes while you’re waiting to buy popcorn. Then he asks you if you want to walk around before the movie starts. How would you react?…
Shawn A. Henry is the Executive Director at the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI). He concentrates on developing statewide change efforts in promoting advances in the training of professionals serving students with autism. Brenda Smith Myles is the Chief of Programs and Development at OCALI, an associate professor in the Department of…
Despite reports that outcome in individuals with autism spectrum disorders may be improving following early intensive interventions, we still have much to learn about the natural history of the disorders and the effects of intervention. While there may not yet be a known cure for autism, a number of viable (although not always easily accessible…
Shana Nichols, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and researcher at the North Shore/Long Island Jewish Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism. She has worked in the field of autism spectrum disorders and child development for over 10 years and currently specializes in adolescence and growing up, dual diagnosis and mental health issues, and the…
The Challenges of Learning and Teaching Social Skills Social skills, which are centrally important to the success of individuals on the autism spectrum, are among the most elusive targets to teach. One impediment to teaching such skills is that there may not be much intrinsic interest on the part of learners with autism spectrum disorders…
