Many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have specialized interests and passions that are highly reinforcing. Such special interest areas (SIAs) are more than mere hobbies or simple curiosities. Rather, the SIAs of an individual with autism may be characterized by (a) significant depth and breadth of knowledge about the area, (b)…

In 2007, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) law was passed in Minnesota mandating newborn hearing screening. Recognizing that a number of state-level agencies and statewide advocacy and direct services organizations share responsibility for serving deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing children and youth, the Minnesota Commission…

Learning strategy instruction is an evidence-based practice for teaching adolescents with mild disabilities. However, researchers have not developed strategies for every content area or skill. Therefore, teachers need to be able develop strategies based on the needs of their students. This article reviews the process for developing and teaching…

This practicum examined ways to improve treatment of hard-to-serve youths at a non-profit residential mental health center. Youthworkers at the center displayed a low rate of individual treatment plan strategy implementation and lacked skills and knowledge in outcome-oriented individualized treatment planning. Recommendations for improving the…

The paper describes a school store program designed to improve general work habits such as job attitude, job performance, and punctuality in students (15 to 18 years old) with severe behavior problems. It is explained that the curriculum is devised so that each week students apply for a self selected job by filling out application forms, are…

The purpose of this manual is to guide Individualized Education Program (IEP)/transition planning teams in assessing the transition needs of individuals with dual sensory or multiple impairments, who are between the ages of 14 and the mid-20s. It presents a person- and family-centered approach that develops a personal profile of the individual in…