Research demonstrates substantial health benefits of physical activity (PA), especially moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Several studies suggest that MVPA may be especially beneficial to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) including improved physiological, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral functioning. However, few…

Understanding neurocognitive mechanisms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an essential goal of autism research. Studying young children with ASD or other neurodevelopmental conditions in demanding experimental settings, however, can pose many practical and ethical challenges. In this article, we present practical strategies that…

In this international collaborative case study, American and Italian authors applied a hypothetical philanthropic case scenario to the recent graduation of the first student with nonverbal autism at the University of Central Italy in order to examine the potential impact a private donation would have on various institutional constituents. A series…

Education, science, and technology disciplines at all levels have never been more important, more exciting, or more crucial for its broader impacts on human society. The need for advanced technical skills is increasingly pressing to address climate change, combat COVID and other diseases, enhance the infrastructural built environment, grow food…

Employment is fundamental to the well-being of individuals including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purposes of this review are to provide an overview of employment-related research in individuals with ASD and increase our understanding of the factors that affect the employment situation of this population. Topics explored are…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the openness, growth and loneliness of typical peers volunteering at a summer day camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the authors obtained descriptive data on the attitudes and behaviors of 38 adolescent peer buddies without…

The number of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) diagnoses is increasing rapidly, indicating a need for multi-faceted interventions. The addition of a parent training component to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been effectively used to treat a variety of psychological disorders in children to support generalization of skills…

The complex and extensive deficits associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, in concert with the substantial increase in prevalence over the last three decades, combine to present a challenge to individuals, families, communities, and government that has few parallels. This challenge is complicated by debate among service providers concerning…

Of its millions of readers worldwide, why individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in particular love manga--and its animated cousin, anime--remains mostly unexplored. Therefore, it is critical for English teachers to ask two questions: (1) What does the preference for manga reveal about the way adolescents with ASD view and process the…

Deficits in communication in people with disabilities are a major cause of challenging behaviors. Functional communication training (FCT) is one treatment developed to address both challenging behavior and instruction in replacement communicative behaviors by determining the function, or reason, the behavior occurs and developing a communication…

Intervention studies evaluating pivotal response treatment (PRT) were systematically identified and analyzed. Forty-three studies were summarized in terms of: (a) participant characteristics, (b) dependent variables, (c) intervention procedures, (d) intervention outcomes, and (e) certainty of evidence. The majority of the reviewed studies (56.4 %)…

In 2010, I commenced research aimed at developing effective methodologies in parent education with Hispanic immigrant families of children with language and communication impairments. I aimed to learn how mothers' perceptions and cultural values influenced their experience in raising a child with autism, and I wanted to determine the effectiveness…

School professionals and clinicians share the challenge of identifying and providing interventions for the increasing number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This book is an authoritative resource that presents up-to-date research and evidence-based tools for accurate assessment and intervention. It includes procedures to help…

Computer-assisted learning is an approach which has been used widely to support people with autism spectrum disorders. Commercial and research-driven technologies continue to be produced at a rapid rate, particularly mobile device applications. However, the field lacks a consistent, evidence-based methodology for design, implementation and…

This study examined the effects of psychoeducation method (video vs. manual) on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of participants regarding the education of children with autism within a group design. There was not a significant difference between the two groups on the participants' thoughts, attitudes, or knowledge. Study Two examined the…