Focus on learning, teaching, classrooms, homeschooling, IEPs.
As students prepare to go back to school following the summer, the question is: how can we ensure they feel safe post-pandemic? Some are saying: “What could schools look like for those with severe autism, post-pandemic?” Those students who are unable to wear a mask, stay a reasonable distance from another, follow directions without physical
in Education and Classroom by Karen Kaplan, MS
Parents can spend hours looking for support for their children with autism, accommodations that can make learning and the environment a little easier. Some of the learning challenges that autistic children can face, along with sensory processing difficulties, and others that are specific to the student can make learning much more difficult. It doesn’t have
in Education and Classroom by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
When it comes to educating children with autism and learning difficulties, the question arises whether they are one in the same. The reason for wondering this is because there seem to be challenges that an autistic child experiences in an educational setting that can look like another learning disability. Autism spectrum disorders are not the
in Education and Classroom by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
Are you considering homeschooling a child and wondering how to create an autism homeschool schedule? Are you intimidated because it seems that there is so much to learn and you wonder where you should start? Some good news is that there are more and more autism homeschool resources available for a quality home education that
in Education and Classroom by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
A detailed overview of the different educational options available for children on the spectrum. It has often been said that if you’ve met one child with autism, then you have met one child with autism. Parents can easily become overwhelmed with trying to address all the needs of their child with autism. Anxious parents often
in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD
Last June, my oldest son graduated from high school. All parents who can say that about their children are proud, but for parents of children with autism, and learning challenges, it has an elevated meaning. My son graduating meant that he accomplished something we didn’t think was going to be possible for a long time.
in Education and Classroom by Rachel Andersen
Could a visualizing and verbalizing® program be the answer for reading comprehension struggles? Children with autism spectrum disorder, especially those who struggle to form mental images while reading, may benefit from a program like the Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking program. Hearing your child read a sentence for the first time is
in Education and Classroom by Yolande Loftus, BA, LLB
An occupational therapist advises how to maintain your child’s motor skills development. As an occupational therapist, I work on handwriting skills with many students with autism. Handwriting is one of the most complex skills our children have to learn, combining fine motor skills, motor planning, visual perceptual and motor skills, and sensory awareness. The progress
in Education and Classroom by Megan Huggins, MOT, OTR/L, CTP
Nature can be a stimulating environment for learning—this article looks at the benefits of the great outdoors for children on the spectrum. Our modern age provides extraordinary technological advances that help humankind, but we’re paying the price in some areas, including less time spent outside in nature. Children today spend more time indoors detached from
in Education and Classroom by Mia Pritts
Here are some ideas on how to build your autistic child’s handwriting skills. Handwriting is crucial for success in school, communication skills, and a child’s self-esteem. Children with autism often have handwriting impairments, so they may be referred to occupational therapists to address this most important skill. My name is Linda Craig Dennis and I’ve
in Education and Classroom by Linda Craig Dennis MEd, OTR/L
We don’t have to look very far to find research giving us rather disheartening statistics about the poor emotional health of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Up to 70 percent of children with ASD develop mental health difficulties, as opposed to 10 percent of the typical population. Of course, as practitioners and parents of
in Education and Classroom by Sandy Turner, BEd (Hons) NPQH and Judy Turner, BEd (Hons)
Every child learns at their own pace. For children on the autism spectrum, it’s beneficial to adapt a multisensory approach to enhance their learning and comprehension. As a parent, you want reading to be a positive experience for your child. But if your child cannot understand the meaning of the text, why would he/she be
in Education and Classroom by Keena Melville, MS, PhD Candidate and Liz McDonough, MA, MFT/RDT
Autism reading comprehension is a complicated topic as children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a variety of associated symptoms, and attain language proficiency at different stages—some earlier than others. Reading comprehension requires the ability to understand language and literature. It isn’t enough to just read a text without understanding the meaning behind the words
in Education and Classroom by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Whether we like it or not, 2021 is here, and with it, the continuation of virtual learning. In many locales, this mode has been the norm for some time. In other places, as the COVID-19 pandemic persists, schools continue to pivot between in-person, hybrid, and fully-virtual models. There are varying responses to this decision throughout
in Education and Classroom by Angela West, MS, BCBA, LBA
A determined mother shares her frustrations as she fights for her daughter’s right to earn her college degree. Life with Maggie, before college algebra, was one of remarkable focus and perseverance, because she is on the autism spectrum. Maggie is a mixed media artist from Gulfport, Mississippi, who uses the power of creativity to bring
in Education and Classroom by Susan Russell
Learn about UK-based specialist autism school, The Cavendish School, and its important mission. Education is all about listening to those around you. From the start of our journey to opening The Cavendish School, the world’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) special autism school, we have been working extremely hard to ensure we are engaging in relevant
in Education and Classroom by Ryan Kelsall, CEO
The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to significant changes in daily life for children, youth, and their families. According to the BMC Public Health children in the United States performed less physical behavior and increased their sedentary behavior. The pandemic has changed how children access their education. Different options for school now exist: remote models (students
in Education and Classroom by Sarah Allen, MOT, OTR/L, SCSS and Megan Huggins, MOT, OTR/L
A look at whether the mainstream education system is doing the best it can for children with autism. To decide if our schools are using the best model for our children, we need to think of the environment, the interventions, and the impact of both on our children. Most school interventions in the US are
in Education and Classroom by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
There are many different teaching strategies for ASD children. Often, it is worth taking a different approach to neurotypical teaching methods in order to support kids on the autism spectrum with their social skills, language, and communication. Because of the challenges that children with autism experience, which affect their ability to be independent, the TEACCH
in Education and Classroom by Andréas RB Deolinda, BA, BSc
Find out how a determined mom helped her book-loving son with autism learn to write. My son, Antariksh, is on the autism spectrum and was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy at the age of four. He is one of my twins. After birth all his milestones were late—in fact, very late, since the children were
in Education and Classroom by Prodipta Soni
Many parents are currently having to make critical decisions on the education of their children with autism. Some students will be going to school full-time. Others will be staying home until parents feel it is safe for them to return to the classroom. Finally, some parents will be selecting a hybrid model for their child
in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD
Are you a parent who has realized that the traditional classroom may not be remunerative? If so, here you are, searching for ways to help your child with autism. It can be wearying for parents trying to determine which form of education might work best for their children. However, there are a number of autism
in Education and Classroom by Emily Ransom, MSE
Many students and parents think about college. Is college a possibility? How can we best prepare? Where do we look? What do we ask for? All good questions. Many students on the autism spectrum do well academically, and graduate high school with grades that make them candidates for college. We’ve all heard that one in
in Education and Classroom by Marcia Eckerd, PhD
When it comes time for children with special needs to start school, there is perhaps no question more important than where they might go. For parents living in areas with multiple private schools available for students with special needs, making a firm and final decision can seem monumental—and stressful. Those parents should know two key
in Education and Classroom by Julie Mower, MAEd
A beautiful day with the sun beating down on children darting around, cavorting and clapping with excitement. The day had been chosen for Orange Class to host a Color Day as a culmination of their achievements, and to practically demonstrate their emerging life skills. The class consists of eight children with a range of disabilities,
in Education and Classroom by Jackie Moore
Transitioning from any break back to school can be difficult for children with autism and their families. However, transitioning to middle or high school can be extremely challenging. Your child is not only transitioning to a new environment, but they are working with new teachers, a new team of specialists, and having to adjust to
in Education and Classroom by Annette Nuñez, PhD
When it comes to understanding how their autistic child will be accommodated at school, parents have many resources at their disposal. But experts advise that preparations for performance in the classrooms must start before the bell rings, and that a focused student transportation plan can aid in their overall education. And, because the education equation
in Education and Classroom by Megan Carey
Going back to school after the long summer vacation is daunting. While most students feel a mix of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of having new teachers, new classes, new friends, or even a new school, autistic girls are likely to find these changes scary and overwhelming. To make matters worse, the uncertainty and
in Education and Classroom by Siena Castellon, BCyA
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects individuals differently, affecting a range of skills, from fine motor and language to social interaction and focus. As such, writing tasks can be particularly challenging for students with ASD. Yet, with the appropriate support and planning, students with autism are able to become fluent and successful writers. In order to help
in Education and Classroom by Beatrix Potter
While children often experience a “summer downslide” after spending months away from school, teachers and parents have extra concerns about the impact of this year’s long break away from the classroom due to COVID-19. The abrupt shift from the daily routines of the school year into a time of uncertainty and constant change has already
in Education and Classroom by Caitlin Koob
Collaboration between school representatives and parents is the foremost approach to accurate educational planning for children with special needs. This process rests primarily on the principle that parental participation is mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All parents can and should contribute meaningfully to their child’s education; as such involvement is integral
in Education and Classroom by Laurie Wellner, EdD
Determining the IQ level of a child with autism can be difficult. Diagnosis can be complicated as giftedness can be “masked” by the child`s autism. Seventy-five percent of people with autism score at 70 or below on intelligence tests and are therefore determined to be intellectually disabled. The other 25 percent presumably have average to
in Education and Classroom by Ron Malcolm, EdD
It’s no secret that education for children with autism needs to improve. Globally, we’ve made progress in the last few decades. As the understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased, so too has the appreciation of how it impacts education. And there is now a clear drive from educational institutions, governments, and researchers alike
in Education and Classroom by Bilikis Banire
There are so many things to consider when considering whether homeschooling a child with autism makes sense and is what is best for their overall development. Many parents realize that their child isn’t thriving in the traditional classroom setting, they tend to seek advice for their struggling learner and may wonder whether they should homeschool.
in Education and Classroom by Donnesa McPherson, AAS
Which school subject has led to more parental gray hairs than all other subjects combined? It’s not too hard to guess that the answer is math. Math can be a struggle for any child, but students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often encounter some unique challenges where math is concerned. Now that it’s summertime, it
in Education and Classroom by Raj Valli, MBA
What is Forest School? Forest School is a type of outdoor education that takes place in natural spaces and encourages participants to develop personal, social, and practical skills. The concept of Forest School was brought to the United Kingdom by a group of early years practitioners from Bridgwater College who visited Denmark and returned enthused
in Education and Classroom by Michael James
Most parents of children with autism are actively and constantly seeking ways to help their children better. Not necessarily to “cure” them, but to help them better function in life and live it to the fullest. We spend a lot of time researching. We spend a lot of time at doctors’ offices, therapies, and Individualized
in Education and Classroom by Calleen Petersen
“He doesn’t talk much. He reads at a 1st-grade level. We’re working on coloring and staying in the lines.” As a public school special education teacher, nothing upset me more than statements like these. An incoming 6th grader, the student gained three years of academic growth that year. By the end of 7th grade, he was
in Education and Classroom by Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA
The Planning and Placement Team (PPT) room…it’s an intimidating scene for any parent to enter, stuffy with professionals defined by their never-ending acronyms: OT, PT, BCBA, SLP. Someone hands you your procedural safeguards, a maze of words defining your rights as a parent of a child with special needs. On the table lies a stack
in Education and Classroom by Meghan Cave, MEd, BCBA, LBA
Whether you call it special education or exceptional education, your expectations for its role in your child’s life are high, as well they should be. As parents of special needs students, we face decisions that parents of typical students rarely consider. Public, private, or charter school? Consider homeschooling? Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan? Standard diploma
in Education and Classroom by Tara Bertic
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