Neurodiversity originally emerged in the 1990’s out of the efforts of autism rights advocates (see for example, Jim Sinclair’s 1993 speech ”Don’t Mourn for Us’‘  which many view as the initial impetus for the neurodiversity movement). In this video (part 7 of a 10 part series on An Introduction to Neurodiversity), I look at the...Read More

A new study reveals that the strong interests of students with autism should be encouraged, not suppressed.  New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, surveyed autistic adults and asked them reflect on their childhood interests and the way in which they impacted on their current occupation.  Of the 80 participants in...Read More

I’m seriously concerned that the schools aren’t doing enough (change that:  aren’t doing anything!) to prepare students on the autism spectrum for a range of careers that are beginning to open up for them in the workplace.  So much of recent educational ”reform” has been about preparing our students to be college and career-ready.  If this...Read More

Today we have a guest post from educational therapist Diana Kennedy.  I connected with her through LinkedIn, and was inspired by her blog post about a student with Fragile X syndrome that she has worked with as first, a special education teacher, and later, as an educational therapist.   Diana’s business is Mindspark – Custom Learning...Read More

On May 19, 2013 I attended graduation ceremonies at Berkshire Hills Music Academy (BHMA) in South Hadley, Massachusetts.  BHMA provides post-secondary education to young adults with developmental disabilities who have special interests and abilities in music. This year there were eight graduates of BHMA’s  two-year certificate program (they also have summer programs, and an extended learning community program).  Students take...Read More