EBD Blog

On US National Public Radio’s Morning Edition Wednesday 15 August 2007, Larry Abramson provided a glimpse into some current efforts to promote education for students with Autism. He describes progress made by a boy with Autism and effort to disseminate the behaviorally based educational methods that helped him. Here’s a snippet.

There are more than half a million children in this country diagnosed with some degree of autism, and that number keeps on growing. Many of the most severe cases must be educated in private schools, and local public schools must pick up much of the tab. But now, many public schools are preparing to educate these kids themselves. The May Institute, a Boston-area research and education center for children with serious developmental delays, is helping them get ready.

Included mong the interviews is a segment in whicgh Mr. Abramson talked with Glen Dunlap, an authority on Autism. Professor Dunlap has done outstanding work on treating children with Autism, so listen closely.

I listened to the coverage twice this morning. Some advocates for Autism, especially those who resist (or even reject) using methods based on applied behavior analysis, will find this treatment challenging. To be sure, there are some less-solid points in the story, but it’s valuable for its likely benefits in increased awareness.

Catch the full story by going to NPR’s Web site.