The purpose of this practice paper is to promote the teaching of learners with neurodevelopmental conditions from a neurodiverse perspective. The challenge teachers face in having to draw on up-to-date research evidence and theoretical perspectives, and align these with practical considerations to generate contextualised teaching strategies, are…

The research literature has revealed mixed outcomes on various procedures for increasing vocalizations and echoic responding in persons with disabilities (Miguel, Carr, & Michael "The Analysis of Verbal Behavior," 18, 3-13, 2002; Stock, Schulze, & Mirenda "The Analysis of Verbal Behavior," 24, 123-133, 2008). We…

Individuals with ASD are less likely to engage in social mands, such as wh-question asking, even though this skill is demonstrated in those without ASD as young as 18 months. Therefore, teaching wh-questions to individuals with ASD is an important element in the development of any communication program. This is the third published study in a…

A synthesis of research on the TEACCH Model was conducted to determine which components of Structured Teaching under the TEACCH model meet criteria as evidenced based practices using the Reichow, Volkmar, and Cicchetti criteria (2007) along with reporting on the findings of the National Autism Center report (2009). The critical components of the…

The increase in the rate of autism diagnoses has created a growing demand for teachers who are trained to use effective interventions. Research supports behavioral interventions as effective methods for teaching children with autism, however dissemination of these methods has been problematic. Ineffective training and lack of ongoing support after…

This article discusses the relationship between autism and teaching a foreign language (TFL) and explores how specific teaching styles may strengthen learners' motivation. Autism is simply considered to be a social disorder of development. Autistic people are often seen as having difficulty in learning a language other than their first language.…

From leading authorities, this state-of-the-art manual presents the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), the first comprehensive, empirically tested intervention specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers with autism. Supported by the principles of developmental psychology and applied behavior analysis, ESDM's intensive teaching interventions…

There has been little attempt to relate well-known educational approaches in autism to increased psychological understanding about the condition. This paper addresses that gap. Four discrete educational approaches to autism (Higashi, Lovaas, Option, TEACCH), and two "eclectic" approaches (SPELL, one LEA specific), are explored within the context…

The purpose of this ten-month project was to determine the value of providing prevocational training to sixteen autistic and/or neurologically impaired children at Benhaven School, New Haven, Connecticut, a school for moderate and severely handicapped preadolescent and adolescent students. Objectives were to evaluate each child's potential for…

This article describes the functional assessment (FA) strategies used in Project DATA (Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism), a school-based model program for young children with autism. These strategies consist of five interrelated steps: (1) gathering information, (2) brainstorming, (3) making a plan, (4) implementing the plan, and…

Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada with a population of 138,900. Three school boards, one French and two English, deliver grades Grades 1-12 to a total of only 24,301 students. Given its small population, Prince Edward Island provides a continuum of educational supports within an inclusionary model. There are no segregated…

This project evaluated the effectiveness of the Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped CHildren (TEACCH) home program intervention model for young children with autism, which encourages parents to be active, ongoing co-therapists. The 11 children in the treatment group, compared to the control, improved…

Discussion of personnel preparation in autism spectrum disorders considers areas of concern including the current teacher shortage and attrition among special education teachers, noncategorical versus categorical teacher training, lack of scope and depth of most autism training models, clashes in theoretical orientations, and interactions with…

Describes "Giant Steps--St. Louis," a program for children with autism characterized by a holistic approach, the use of "invitational" equipment, continuity between home and school, and integration into the neighborhood school for part of each day. Provides a case study showing a child's typical day Program effectiveness is…

The Baudhuin Preschool of Nova Southeastern University (Florida) provides a four-tiered program for children with autism and related disorders. Each tier represents a continuum of services, strategies, and environments from most restrictive to inclusion. Each child's program combines systematic instructional techniques based on principles of…