Toolkit This toolkit is designed to help caregivers and families understand the autism evaluation process, recognize early indicators of autism, understand the differences between a tele-assessment or in-person evaluation, and prepare for a tele-assessment appointment through the Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). Autism evaluation and… Read more Telehealth for Caregivers
Category: Child/Adolescent with Disability
The Informed Consent Process for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The purpose of this toolkit is to present ways for you to better include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in research. It provides strategies to make the informed consent process go more smoothly for your participants with IDD. Individuals with IDD are often excluded from health-related research. Exclusion from research leads to reduced… Read more The Informed Consent Process for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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
Why Take Part in Research
What is research and why is it important? Research is investigating a subject to discover new information, or to revise existing information. It allows us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. In the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities research, such inquiry can aid in understanding the role of genetics in development,… Read more Why Take Part in Research
Token Economy (for teachers)
What is a Token Economy? Token economies are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and emphasize the use of positive reinforcement to target behavior change. Token economies help students to visualize progress, accept and work for delayed reinforcement, learn to self-monitor, and learn to regulate behavior. Developing a Token Economy When developing… Read more Token Economy (for teachers)
Children and Stuttering (for parents)
What Is Stuttering? According to the Stuttering Foundation, stuttering occurs when the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. Unusual facial and body movements amy also be associated with the effort to speak. What Causes Stuttering? While the exact causes of… Read more Children and Stuttering (for parents)
Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
What are Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (E/BD)? The term emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) refers to a variety of conditions and symptoms that impair the learning, social functioning, safety, and behavioral health of children or adolescents. E/BD may occur in conjunction with a variety of other developmental disabilities, and when their presence leads to eligibility… Read more Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)