Positively Autism

Some children with Autism exhibit what many people consider to be "challenging" or "inappropriate" behaviors. I have worked with students who frequently scream, hit, bite, and kick. While it may seem that these behaviors are random or uncontrollable, I have found that in most cases, behavior is communication. Read More

April marked Autism Awareness Month in the United States, and as the month closes, I've been reflecting on the topic. Autism is a hot topic in the news in recent months. I think that the media is often doing a great job in providing us with stories and information about Autism. However, many of these headlines focus on the gloom and doom of this "devastating" disorder. These stories play an important role in raising awareness, but there is another side to Autism.  Read More

The title of this post is based on an important piece of writing by Mayer Shevin, "The Language of Us and Them." This piece brought to light the power of words to either empower or demean individuals with disabilities. Read More

I recently corresponded with James Williams, a college student and Elementary/Special Education major. James is the president of the Council for Exceptional Children at his university, a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, and a member of his university’s Dean’s List. He also has Asperger’s Syndrome. James shared with me some strategies, resources, and tips to help students with Autism prepare for college and independent living. Read More