As more and more children are being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome (AS), more parents are wondering what the future will be like for their child. Because of the challenges faced by youth with AS, it is important for parents and teachers to work together to guide high school students with AS through a successful transition to the adult world.…

One for Autism is a thriving and ever-growing facility for children with autism and other developmental delays. One for Autism, Inc., umbrellas One for Autism Academy, which offers a classroom setting, as well as One for Autism Center, which provides one-on-one comprehensive therapies, including behavioral therapy, occupational therapy and speech…

Guidelines are offered parents in helping their disabled children assume increasing responsibility for dental care. Guidelines touch on toothbrushing, dentist visits, nutrition, and medication. (CL)

Jane Schoenfeld's eighteen-year-old daughter and five of her daughter's friends have major learning differences. After searching fruitlessly for a summer class in independent living skills, Shoenfeld relates how she and the parents of her daughter's friends decided to set up their own summer program. They found a facilitator and invited two…

A mildly retarded young man speaks of his desire to live independently as well as of the difficulties of being lonely and unable to support himself. A counselor suggests a condominium rooming house arrangement which would provide a degree of independence along with opportunities for social interaction. (CL)

The case study focuses on reluctance of parents of a disabled young adult to allow her to move into her own apartment. Noted are the daughter's need to take risks and the importance of viewing such moves as trial efforts. (CL)

The case study involves the family of a 16-year-old with cerebral palsy and behavior difficulties, and examines family dynamics related to vocational aspiration and independence. (CL)

The number of children diagnosed with autism is rapidly increasing. While autism is not a new disability, many families are still embarking on unforeseen journeys with their children. The autism spectrum has broadened, and with increased awareness in recent years, it is undetermined which aspect has the greatest impact on the increasing numbers.…

Suggestions are presented for helping disabled individuals learn to use or adapt toothbrushes for proper dental care. A directory lists dental health instructional materials available from various organizations. (CB)

Parents describe how the Disabled Students' Program at the University of California-Berkeley supported their daughter with cerebral palsy in pursuing an independent college career. Two vignettes describing college students' (with muscular dystrophy and physical disabilities) adjustment at Boston University are presented. (CB)

The mother of a mentally retarded adolescent describes the implementation of her idea to hire nonretarded neighborhood peers as friends and resource persons for her daughter. The program's purpose was to educate nonhandicapped youth as well as to increase her daughter's opportunities for socialization and peer contact. (JW)

A father shares his family's experience raising two sons with neuromuscular impairments and offers advice for parents, teachers, and counselors working with such individuals. Specific problems and possible solutions are discussed, including self-esteem, written work, timed tests, physical education and recess, counseling, other assistance, and…

The article discusses four major objectives of programs in the state of Oregon for students with severe disabilities: building social skills and a social network; building community competence; building a work history; and ensuring that parents have an active involvement in their children's program and future. (Author/JW)