Bowel Training

I am a parent of an adolescent with autism who is urine trained but continues to have bowel accidents. What treatment strategies can I use to begin bowel training with him? Answered by Frank Cicero, PhD, BCBA-D Director of Psychological Services Eden II Programs Lingering issues with bowel training are common in individuals with autism, even…

Adventures in Driving

Written by: Lora Perry, Executive Director, ABA Services, Providence of Maine There’s nothing like teaching your adolescent to drive to make you a better driver (at least according to the Department of Motor Vehicles’ standards.) It’s amazing what we, as “seasoned” experienced drivers, forget or fail to do. For example, have you noticed how far…

Preparation for Employment

How Can Adolescent Learners with Autism be Prepared for Employment? Answered by Erin Richard, MA, BCBA and Karissa Masuicca, MS Ed, BCBA Alpine Learning Group, Inc., Paramus, New Jersey Preparing adolescents with autism for future employment is important. It is essential to shift the focus of programming from academics to more functional life skills and…

Teaching Safety Skills to Adolescents

I am a Special Education Teacher at the high school level. A young man with autism is transitioning to my caseload from our middle school. Although there is much talk about “safety skills” amongst my colleagues, I would like to target this skill area effectively and comprehensively. Any suggestions? Answered by Shannon Wilkinson, MADS, BCaBA,…

Review of Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood

  Life journey through autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood. Arlington, VA: Organization for Autism Research, Inc. Written by Denise Grosberg, MA, Claremont Graduate University Significant life transitions are often greeted with both excitement and concern. For most caregivers of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders(ASDs), periods of transition raise significant questions…

Self-Management Interventions

Kimberly B. Marshall, Ph. D., BCBA-D, University of Oregon Jessica L. Rohrer, Ph. D., BCBA-D, Endicott College, The Center for Children with Special Needs Description: Self-management interventions are classified under the umbrella of applied behavior analysis as they focus on improvements in socially significant behaviors. Self-management interventions teach individuals to engage in actions that change…

Parent-Assisted Social Skills Training to Improve Friendships in Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Laugeson, E. A., Frankel, F., Mogil, C., & Dillon, A. R. (2009). Parent-assisted social skills training to improve friendships in teens with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 39(4), 596-606. Reviewed by Jessica Rothschild Caldwell College Why study this topic? Research focusing on children of typical development has shown that it is…