Promoting Success in the Community

I am a teacher of students with autism at the high school level. How can I promote independence and community integration for those individuals with autism who require one on one support and supervision? Answered by Randy Horowitz, MSEd, SAS Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) Credit: Artwork by Marina Azimova, EdM, MSW, BCBA In…

Competitive Employment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Wehman, P., Schall, C., McDonough, J., Kregel, J., Brooke, V., Molinelli, A., . . . Thiss, W. (2014). Competitive employment for youth with autism spectrum disorders: Early results from a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(3), 487-500. Reviewed by Christopher R. Colasurdo, MA, Doctoral candidate Caldwell University Why review this topic?…

Cognitive Enhancement Therapy

  Eack, S. M., Hogarty, S. S., Greenwald, D. P., Litschge, M. Y., Porton, S. A., Mazefsky, C. A., & Minshew, N. J. (2018). Cognitive Enhancement Therapy for adult autism spectrum disorder: Results of an 18-month randomized clinical trial. Autism Research, 11(3), 519-530. Reviewed by Tristram Smith, PhD ASAT Board of Directors Why research this…

The Bookshelf – Books – Teenagers and Adults with ASD

The following booklist focuses on books related to autism and its treatment across the lifespan years of individuals with ASD. Advocacy Ariel, C. N., & Naseef, R. A. (Eds.) (2006). Voices from the spectrum: Parents, grandparents, siblings, people with autism, and professionals share their wisdom. London, UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Freeman, S. (2003). Science for sale…

How ASAT Supports Parents of Older Children and Adults

David Celiberti, Brian Fennell, Preeti Chojar, Franca Pastro, Sabrina Freeman, Mary Jane Weiss, and Vincent Winterling As an organization, we have long been committed to the promotion of evidence-based practices for all individuals with autism across the lifespan. Because autism is typically a lifelong developmental disability, many individuals with autism have a myriad of needs…

Learning to Manage Feminine Hygiene Needs

Question: I have a daughter with autism who is showing signs of puberty. I want her to continue to be as independent as possible and to be prepared for all aspects of her own feminine hygiene, but don’t know where to begin with teaching her how to care for her menses. What is the best…

Lifespan Resources From the Web

Franca Pastro, BA, ASAT Board Member and Parent Peggy Halliday, MEd, BCBA, ASAT Board Member The following links showcase a non-exhaustive list of publications and websites of other organizations that provide important information about autism across the lifespan. ASAT developed this list because there is a shortage of high quality resources readily available to support…

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,…