Visual schedules use a series of images and text to visually illustrate a sequence of events, prepare the individual for the following action or step within an activity or chain of activities, and prompt them to follow a series of activities or tasks independently. As an evidence-based practice, visual schedules can be effectively used in…

Purpose: Adapted physical activity (APA) provides children and youth with disabilities more opportunities to be physically active. Nevertheless, it is not well known how APA implementation in different services has benefited them. This study reviews the existing literature on APA interventions to identify characteristics and program descriptions,…

Autobiographical memory (ABM)--the type of long-term memory that holds information about ourselves and our past experiences--is key to social learning and social communication. This groundbreaking guide shows professionals how to support ABM in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, leading to lasting enhancements to critical social…

The present study aimed to examine the parenting hassle experienced by a group of low-resourced families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study was a follow-up to a randomized controlled trial (Kasari et al., 2014), which investigated the efficacy of two treatment interventions. The focus of the current study was to…

Play in early childhood environments is critical to the social development of all children, including those with disabilities. Children with autism often experience delays in the development of play skills and may especially struggle with social play with peers. Thus, strategies to support social play in inclusive preschool settings are needed.…

School-going individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face challenges in educational settings, including reduced academic performance, motor- and social skills. Embodied cognition (EC), which emphasises the significant role of the body in human cognition, encompasses aspects such as motor control, non-verbal communication, and memory.…

While the COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected families, it also accelerated the availability and use of video conferencing technology in their homes. Families will continue to experience challenges, even when children safely return to in-person instruction. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how practitioners can use behavioral…

"Using Technology to Enhance Special Education," Volume 37 of Advances in Special Education, is a logically, thoughtfully organized, and well-sequenced text. It focuses on how general and special educators can use technology to work with children and youth with disabilities. This cutting-edge book involves researchers, scholars,…

One of the biggest milestones in an adolescent's life can be getting a driver's license. However, compared to the general population, individuals with ASD get their driver's license later in life, and drive less often. Adolescents with ASD who are eligible to get a driver's license are encouraged to do so, as having a license can result in…

In higher education systems, equal importance must be given to differently abled students. However, not all educational institutions have infrastructure and facilities to admit these students even though accessibility and support for these students is growing. There are many schemes, facilities, services, and financial assistance available to…

Using creativity as a lens to explore the meaningful learning experiences of autistic youth, Carrie Snow evaluates and challenges common conceptions about autism and offers a strengths-based demonstration of the many ways that autistic people express creativity and imagination. She then identifies key qualities of education that are commonly cited…

Teaching social behaviors and other pro-social skills is an important component of intervention for individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Today, there are several procedures which are being implemented clinically and evaluated empirically to improve the overall social behaviors of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Two of…

The nutritional guidelines for individuals with autism are the same as those for the general population. However, many teens with autism face challenges related to food and/or eating that can negatively impact their health. "Autism at-a-Glance" is a series of practitioner and family-friendly documents created by the Center on Secondary…

Like all teens, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) go through puberty. During this transitional time, their bodies will go through changes that can be disorienting. Given that adolescents with ASD may have a need for sameness and routine, the changes associated with puberty can be difficult. Teachers and parents can support students by…

Families of adolescents with ASD, and school staff who support them, often report that maintaining good personal hygiene can be difficult for their sons, daughters, and students. Hygiene is the practice of keeping up with one's health and cleanliness. Maintenance of hygiene includes washing hands after going to the bathroom, using a tissue when…