This paper provides a review, followed by a critique, of Kenneth M. Coffey and S. John Obringer's article entitled "A Case Study on Autism: School Accommodations and Inclusive Settings." Coffey and Obringer's intriguing and informative article provides new insights regarding the effects of autism socializing disorder (ASD) and its impact on a…

This article reflects on the experience of one UK higher education institution in its efforts to develop more effective support mechanisms for the growing numbers of students with Asperger syndrome and autism, in collaboration with a specialist support organisation. Case studies are used to illustrate the complex needs of this group of students.…

This book relates several case studies of language acquisition--for example, chimpanzees "learning" to speak at a higher level than so-called 'wolf' children and a father and mother who, against the advice of professionals, force their way into the closed world of an autistic son--to examine the threshold of language, that point…

Describes the use of books in treating a preschool autistic child. Both the affective and cognitive domains of development are discussed, and citations are provided for the 16 books mentioned in the treatment. (BK)

This commentary on Steven Heckler (EC 608 725) notes the lack of evidence that facilitated communication responses were actually being produced by the child with autism who alleged sexual abuse. The commentary warns that misuse could result in the total discrediting of a methodology that might have some potential benefits. (DB)

A case study of an autistic child (now a successfully employed graduate student and author of the article) whose parents and teachers capitalized on her fixations and compulsions by using them in learning activities illustrates how the needs of drive of autistic children can be redirected to motivate successful academic achievement. (CB)

This commentary on Steven Heckler (EC 608 725) reviews qualitative and quantitative studies of facilitated communication (FC), and examines FC and sexual abuse allegations involving individuals with autism. It concludes that the mounting evidence against FC is convincing but that FC should not be eliminated as a possible augmentative communication…

Two firsthand accounts from verbal high-functioning individuals with autism (a 27-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy and his parents) are presented. Five salient themes are identified: sensory processing, memory, stereotypical behaviors, social interaction, and empathy. Multichanneled sensory processing appeared in both subjects as did a detailed…

This article presents the case of a seven-year-old autistic child who, with the use of facilitated communication, appeared to report being sexually abused. Assessment activities of the Hennepin County (Minnesota) Child Protection Agency are recounted. The article concludes that such charges made with facilitated communication should not be…

Partially written by a British student with Asperger syndrome, this article recounts the student's experiences of being excluded from a mainstream school due to the school's inability to respond adequately to recurring epileptic seizures. The article suggests that inclusive schools must change to meet students' individual needs and encourage…

A music therapist recounts the case of a young man with autism who, after several years of music therapy, began to communicate with the therapist using facilitated communication. The author sees the combination of music therapy and facilitated communication as very promising for people with autism. (DB)

Describes the challenges and rewards of working with Amy (an eighth-grade girl considered autistic) in a team-taught language arts class that functions in the workshop format and that includes learners with special needs. Describes Amy's progress and setbacks, and notes the importance of the workshop format for her progress and for her teacher's…

In response to Horner and others (EC 232 976), this paper contrasts the constricted life of their adult son (who has mental retardation, autism, and emotional problems) when he lived in a group home and worked at a sheltered workshop where aversive techniques were used, with his present life with nondisabled housemates and competitive employment.…