Some media representations of autism across the lifespan

David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D, Eilis O’Connell, MA, BCBA, Preeti Chojar, MCA, and Smrithi Thyagarajan (Extern) Association for Science in Autism Treatment Each year as tens of thousands of children with autism turn 18, they and their families face an uncertain future due to changes in service delivery models, limited funding, and diminished services, supports, and…

Advocating For Your Child

My 3-year-old daughter demonstrates symptoms of ASD and a diagnosis is pending.  I am encountering an array of professionals and am wondering who does what and how I can better understand these relationships while advocating for my daughter.   Answered by Heyde Ramirez, MA, BCBA, LBA and Maria Pantelides, MA, BCBA, LBA Attentive Behavior Care Note:…

A Randomized Trial of Social Skills Groups at School

  Kasari, C., Dean, M., Kretzmann, M., Shih, W., Orlich, F., Whitney, R., … & King, B. (2016). Children with autism spectrum disorder and social skills groups at school: A randomized trial comparing intervention approach and peer composition. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(2), 171-179. Allison Hawkins Rutgers University, Graduate School of Applied and…

Targeting Sexuality

We have a teenage son with autism, and as he continues into adulthood we are concerned about being prepared to address specific issues related to sexuality and safety. What are the most important issues for us to consider and what skills should we target to maximize his safety and healthy development? Answered by Frank Cicero,…

Preventing and Addressing Bullying

We have a nine-year old daughter with ASD who started 3rd grade in a new school. She is coming home every day very upset due to other students calling her names and isolating her from social activities. We wanted her to attend the neighborhood school but how can we protect her from bullying? Answered by…

Measuring Social Skills Goals

I am a parent of a 7-year-old with autism who has responded well to her early intervention program based on ABA. I would like her educational program to address social skills more extensively. My child’s school-based team has informed me that they are seeking to improve the quantity and quality of her interactions with classmates,…