Although research shows early intensive behavioral intervention is efficacious when delivered in university or private intervention centers, little is known about effectiveness or feasibility of disseminating early intensive behavioral intervention to larger communities. The Michigan State University Early Learning Institute was developed to…

As children with autism spectrum disorder become adults, social participation continues to be an area of need. Within creative arts, there is a growing body of literature about the use of theatre arts, improvisational theatre, and improvisational techniques as a way to address social participation for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The…

Community based programmes for adolescents receiving mental health services have been previously linked with the effective acquisition of knowledge, change in perceptions and attitudes, as well as change in behaviours. This article will detail how the new Teen Life Skills Programme was able to address some of the barriers and equip the…

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) in early intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have the potential to improve children's developmental trajectories and address family needs. However, the successful use of EBPs in community early intervention settings requires careful attention to the context in which services are delivered. Implementation…

This manual was designed primarily for use by individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions. It is hoped that it is also useful for families, as well as service coordinators and providers who directly assist families and individuals with developmental disabilities. The focus of this manual is to provide easy-to-read…

This "2018-2019 Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) Strategic Plan Update" is the work of the IACC membership that was appointed under the Autism CARES Act of 2014. The Committee agreed that the "2016-2017 IACC Strategic Plan" reflected a comprehensive review of the state of the field and provided a set of 23 new…

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rapidly increasing throughout the United States. This increase also has an impact on participation in local community programs such as youth sports and recreational activities. The administrators of these agencies and departments will be required to develop and implement…

Participating in outside activities and community-based endeavors can be tricky for people with special needs, like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Families meet more than a few obstacles attempting to integrate their children or teens who have special needs like ASD. Most typical children are highly involved in sports, clubs and camps. If a…

Despite the transition requirements mandated by IDEA, and a growing body of research supporting effective transition planning for learners with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability, current national surveys of transition from school to work document dismal employment outcomes for adults with significant disabilities who frequently…

This manual was designed primarily for use by individuals with developmental disabilities and related conditions. It is hoped that it is also useful for families, as well as service coordinators and providers who directly assist families and individuals with developmental disabilities. The focus of this manual is to provide easy-to-read…

In these challenging times of cutbacks in public funding for social services programs, parents and grass roots organizations continue to make a difference in their communities with innovative initiatives that are enhancing the lives of people with developmental and physical disabilities. In New York, a track team of speedsters with disabilities is…

The second edition of "Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Recreation" is expanded to provide the most up-to-date, practical approaches for professionals, as well as families, to support the increasing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of all ages and levels who will be participating in every…

A program involving 40 severely handicapped autistic students (16-21 years old) provides community-based vocational training with intensive on-site job skills training. Training stresses functional job-related skills through a behavior analytic approach. Three supported work models included in the curriculum are mobile crews, the enclave model,…

The article describes Benhaven, a residential program of group homes in Connecticut, which provides intensive programing for autistic and neurologically impaired children. Examined are the program's administration and management, treatment services, support services, and family and community involvement. (DB)

Activity coaches from university teacher education and health education programs were trained to use individualized accommodations to help six children (ages 6-13) with developmental disabilities participate in community recreation activities. Children participated in swim classes or gymnastics at individualized levels, expressed enjoyment, and…