Promoting Self-Determination in Early Childhood Services

Toolkit This toolkit is intended for early childhood care providers who want to learn more about how to promote self-determination skills in early childhood, including early interventionists, developmental specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, preschool teachers, and anyone else who provides intervention and support to young autistic children and children with developmental disabilities. Click here to… Read more Promoting Self-Determination in Early Childhood Services

Promoting Neurodiversity in Early Childhood Services

Toolkit This toolkit is intended for early childhood care providers who want to learn more about how to promote neurodiversity in early childhood, including early interventionists, developmental specialists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts, preschool teachers, and anyone else who provides services to young autistic children and children with developmental disabilities. Click here to access… Read more Promoting Neurodiversity in Early Childhood Services

Token System – An Overview

Evidence-Based Practice Link Token boards are an intervention that incorporate reinforcement, which is an evidence-based practice for autistic students. Reinforcement is defined as “application of consequence that happens after a skill or behavior occurs that increases the learner’s use of the skill or behavior in future situation.” (Steinbrenner et al., 112). Token boards are based… Read more Token System – An Overview

Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students (for Caregivers)

What is evidence-based practice (EBP)? An intervention is an evidence-based practice when there is scientific evidence to support its claims. Evidence-based practices must be selected for implementation based on sound professional judgment, coupled with the careful review of available data, input from individuals and family members, and an honest evaluation of the educators’ and service… Read more Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students (for Caregivers)

Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students (for Educators)

What is evidence-based practice (EBP)? An intervention is an evidence-based practice when there is scientific evidence to support its claims. Evidence-based practices must be selected for implementation based on sound professional judgment, coupled with the careful review of available data, input from individuals and family members, and an honest evaluation of the educators’ capacity to… Read more Evidence-Based Practices for Autistic Students (for Educators)

Postsecondary Education for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Why a Postsecondary Education? A postsecondary education can open a whole new world for people both with and without disabilities. The college experience allows one to broaden one’s interests, establish and pursue one’s goals, and form life-long friendships. In addition to a college education allowing for the possibility of a higher paying job, the social… Read more Postsecondary Education for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

What is trauma? Trauma is understood as experiences or situations that are emotionally painful and distressing. Trauma can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, leaving him or her to feel powerless. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) describe traumatic experiences in a person’s life occurring before the age of 18.  Examples of traumatic events that can have… Read more Trauma and Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities