Embedding Social Interactions Within Reinforcement

A new study was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders this month (September 2009). The authors (Robert Koegel, Ty Vernon and Lynn Koegel) investigated the effect of an intervention on the social engagement and nonverbal orientation (i.e. eye contact) in three young children with autism. They found that by embedding social interactions [...]

Seattle Special Education Law Conference October 5-7

The University of Washington’s School of Law is holding it’s 26th Annual Pacific Northwest Institute on Special Education and the Law October 5-7, 2009. This multi-day institute consists of mini-courses, workshops and speaker sessions. Some of the topics covered include:
*Special Education
*Behavior and Discipline Issues for Students with Special Needs
*The Building Principal and Special Education
*Writing and [...]

New Study to Identify Genetic and Environmental Factors in Autism

A new research study, funded by the NIH and Autism Speaks, is beginning aimed at investigating genetic and environmental factors linked to autism.
This is a longitudinal study that will follow the new pregnancies of women who already have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (including:autism, aspergers and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified) [...]

Another Story About Physical Restraint Being Used and Abused

Unfortunately here is another story of a person with autism (who is also non-verbal) who was allegedly abused by a teacher performing a “restraint” technique. It is so frustrating to continue to hear stories like this and watch those who have abused children and adults go unpunished because their abuse can not be proved beyond [...]

The TEACCH Method for Individuals with Autism

Many families of individuals with autism want to know more about the TEACCH Method and wonder whether or not they should use it with their child. Today I found a very clear explanation of the five basic tenets upon which the TEACCH Method is built:
“Structured teaching via the TEACCH method was developed by Professor Eric [...]

Misleading Study About Autism and GI Issues

An article publish on Reuters this week reported on a study conducted at the Mayo clinic. In the study they concluded that children with autism are no more likely to have gastrointestinal issues than typically developing children. Although it may be true that occurrences of GI issues such as Crohn’s Disease and irritable bowel syndrome [...]

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