2009 Issues
Jan-Feb 2009
Featured Articles:
If Only I'd Known: Things Nobody Told Me When My Child was Diagnosed with Autism.
- Safe and Sound: Safety Issues and Suggestions for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD
- Animal Crossing: Creating Connections via Video Games
- Autism Movement Therapy: Aut-erobics Movement & Music Sensory Integration to "Wake Up the Brain"
- April Morning
- His Own Best Advocate
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words...With Augmented Communication (Part 5)
- Punishment: No Return on Investment with Students with ASD (Part 1)
- Teaching the Second Step of Communication: Physical Presence
- Building Blocks of Early (and Later!) Intervention: A new column on early intervention strategies
- Innovative Methods for Handling Hiting, Biting, and Kicking
- With a Little Help From Your (New) Friends
On the Cover
Conner (now 4) and his sister Jessie (8) enjoy sledding near their home in Missoula, MT. Conner was diagnosed with ASD at 22 months, and through support, prayer and patience is making great progress. Conner loves anything he can do outdoors, and indoors loves wrestling, tickling games, or just snuggling close while watching a movie.
Mar-April 2009
Featured Articles:
- When Times are Sad: Helping a Child with ASD Manage Grief
- STAT: Nurses on Duty. Education and advice for on-duty nurses.
- Sensible Supplement Use
- The Loss of a Parent
- Success Tomorrow Starts Today: Considerations in Finding a New School
- The Bath Contract
- I Can Do That!
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…to Self-Regulate (Part 1)
Building a Firm Foundation: Errorless Learning
Rule Number One: Ask For Help
Understanding the Mind of a Nonverbal Person with Autism
Was that Punishment or Reinforcement or Something Else? (Part 2)
The Third Step of Communication: Think With Your Eyes
On the Cover
Isabella has confounded doctors by continually moving around within the spectrum since she was 2 years old. Now 7, she loves books (especially involving gingerbread people), dancing, computers, trampolines, her sister Madeline, and combinations of any of the above. She lives with her family in Texas.
May-June 2009
Featured Articles:
- Explaining the Diagnosis: Considerations, Activities & Resources
- The Need for Long-Term Care: When Reality Bites
- The Other "A" Word
- Handwriting: An Overlooked Avenue to Learning
- Our Circle of Life
- Walking the Autism Labyrinth
- The Magic Fairy Bag
- Rainbows
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…to Self-Regulate (Part 2)
Prompting Your Child to Success
Run Ragged
Hidden Medical Problems Can Cause Behavior Problems
The Natural Way to Behavior Management
Teaching the Third Step of Communication: Think With Your Eyes
On the Cover
Michael, 13 years old, from the beautiful coast of southeastern North Carolina, was diagnosed with ASD less than two years ago. Michael is making progress but everyday is a challenge, especially since entering Middle School. He is entertainingly funny, "laid back" and very soft-spoken.
Cover photo by Crystal Gore Photography, www.crystalgorephotography.com
July-August 2009
Featured Articles:
- I Can't Argue with That!
- Hitting Playdate Gold!
- Parenting Solo
- Exploring New Lands & New Peoples: Travel Tips
- Sports and Autism: Thinking Outside the Bounds
- Celebrate the Moment
- 108 Tools to Enlightenment
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…to Self-Regulate (Part 2)
- Shaping and Repetition: A Winning Combination
- The Role of Genetics and Environmental Factors in Causing Autism
- Yes, It Is Your Problem
- The Fourth Step of Communication: Using Language to Relate to Others
- "Look Both Ways"
On the Cover
Jackson, age 4, is a happy-go-lucky, on-the-go little fella! He loves jumping, swinging, tickles, swimming and being outdoors. He currently attends the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta, GA, and is working hard to find his own voice. Jackson lives in Acworth, GA with his family, who is so proud of his many successes!
September-October 2009
Featured Articles:
- More than Meets the Eye: The Role of Vision in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Part 1)
- Loving Your Grandchild with Autism
- Making a Difference in Autism Research: The Interactive Autism Network (IAN)
- The Greatness of Asperger’s
- Video Modeling
- Charting Progress: The Importance of Data Collection
- Introducing…Julie Scrumptious!
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…to Self-Regulate! (Part 4)
- Micro-Training for Macro-Results
- Ever The Optimist
- Finding a Child’s Area of Strength
- Teaching the Fourth Step of Communication: Using Language to Relate to Others
- Building Your Dream Team
On the Cover
Benjamin Roberts is 5 years old and was diagnosed with an ASD at age 2 1/2. He currently receives behavior, speech and OT support to help prepare him for Kindergarten this fall. Benjamin is happy, energetic and excited to start school and make friends. He lives in Colorado with his parents and 22-year-old cat Jazmine!
November-December 2009
Featured Articles:
- More than Meets the Eye: The Role of Vision in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Part 2)
- From Nicky ... to Nick
- The Frog, the Bow, and the Violin
- Where do I Start? Step-by-step guidlines for parents of significantly impaired children with autism
- Then and Now: Reflections on Raising a Son with Autism
- Middle School, Asperger's, and Hope
- The Big Six
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…to Self-Regulate! (Part 5)
- Time for a Check In
- Ten Years in the Life: An Interview with my Son
- Learning Never Stops
- Social Thinking: What a Difference a Decade Makes!
- Early Intervention ... 10 Years Later
On the Cover
Nick (not Nicky) Gerlach was the little boy on the cover of the first issue of the Autism Asperger's Digest in November 1999. We thought it only fitting to bring him back for the cover of our 10th Anniversary issue. Nick is older, more mature and ... now living independently!
Photo by Nick's mom, author Elizabeth King Gerlach.
2008 Issues
Jan-Feb 2008
Featured Articles:
Interventions for Children with ASD: Major Issues, Major Choices (Part 1 of 6)
- Another Side of Autism
- Just Spirited? Think Again! A Glimpse into Sensory Dysfunction
- Words to the Wise: Finding a Creditable Speech Therapist
- Mama, Look!
- In Sickness and in Health
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…When Our Kids Experience “Wordlessness” (Part 3)
- Simply Good Ideas: Treatment Basics
- All’s Fair?
- Getting Kids Turned on to Reading
- Brain Cortex Structure Similar in Brilliant Scientists and Autism
- Social Thinking: Teaching the Unthinkable?
On the Cover
"Perfectly Designed and Detailed (by God) - Nothing Other (than) Spectacular" best describes Mason's beautiful spirit. He is "all boy" who loves to be outside getting dirty - or wet! When weather doesn't allow, this kindergartner prefers to read, play on the computer, or challenge his family and friends to a board game.
Mar-April 2008 – SOLD OUT!
Featured Articles:
Extended School Year Services
- Left in the Dark: Misconceptions about ABA & DTT
- Enough is Enough: Stop Fighting, Start Looking for a New School
- Loners, You are Not Alone!
- The 5 Keys
- My Son has Asperger’s: A Headline No More
- Interventions for Children with ASD: Major Issues, Major Choices Part 2: Behavior-based Options
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…When Our Kids Experience “Wordlessness” (Part 4)
- Three Little Words
- Osmosis Isn’t Enough
- The Importance of Problem-Solving Skills
- Social Behavior Starts with Social Thought
On the Cover
Mitchell is a 7-year old mainstreamed second grader with Asperger’s Syndrome. He excels in math and is a strong reader. His special interests include snakes, airplanes, classical music and impressionist art. Mitchell enjoys Cub Scouts, playing with his buddies and pestering his 4-year-old sister, Nina.
May-June 2008
Featured Articles:
Classroom Design for Living and Learning with Autism
- Innovative Autism Technology
- Autism Training For First Responders
- Interventions for Children with ASD: Major Issues, Major Choices Part 3: Relationship-based Developmental Interventions for Children with ASD
- Remember to Breathe…Again
- An Important Lesson from My Little Friend
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…with Augmented Communication (Part 1)
- Forty Years in the Trenches: Lessons Learned, Questions Unanswered
- We Walk Before We Run
- Turning Video Game Obsessions into Learning
- The Social Communication Dance: The Four Steps of Communication
On the Cover
Sam is an energetic three-and-a-half year old, with bright blue eyes and an engaging smile. He loves to run barefoot in the grass and chase butterflies. When he’s not on the go or splashing in the bathtub, he loves to sit in his swing and watch Winnie the Pooh.
July-Aug 2008
Featured Articles:
Getting the Message: Learning to Read Facial Expressions
- Two Little Miracles
- Connect the Dots
- You Know You Might be on the “A” Team
- Interventions for Children with ASD: Major Issues, Major Choices Part 4: Intervention from a Systems Perspective
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…with Augmented Communication (Part 2)
- The First Step of Communication: Thinking About Thinking
- Right on the Money
- A+ Teachers for Students with ASD
- The Link Between Autism Genetics and Genius
On the Cover
Jacob, now 7, enjoys drawing, movies, sports, and tag with his friends. Diagnosed at 3.6, he has shown miraculous progress and is fully mainstreamed, thanks to his own hard work and great local programs. Through everything, he’s kept his joyful spirit and show equal parts of fun, kindness, and mischief. He lives with his mom in Boston.
Sept-Oct 2008
Featured Articles:
New Thought on Teaching the More Challenged Child with Autism
- Social Skills Groups: Ten Building Blocks to Success
- Orchestrating an Effective Classroom
- Time to Give Up on a Single Explanation for Autism?
- Interventions for Children with ASD: Major Issues, Major Choices Part 5: Biomedical Interventions
- Nobody Survives Alone: The Gift of Interdependence
- Better Late Than Never
- The Power of Peers
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…with Augmented Communication (Part 3)
- Teaching the First Step of Communication: Thinking Strategies
- The One-to-One Para Revisited
- Storm Troopers: A Team Approach to Handling Meltdowns
- Do Not Get Hung Up on Labels
On the Cover
Shayne is 15 years old, in 10th grade and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. His interests include computers, video games, music, football, swimming, and reading adventure and science fiction novels. He loves animals and hopes to become a Veterinarian Assistant after high school.
Cover photo by Robin Evans, Robin Evans Photography, Liberty, MO.
Nov-Dec 2008
Featured Articles:
Interventions for Children with ASD: Major Issues, Major Choices Part 6 of 6: Finding Your Way Within a Maze of Options
- Anger Management: Step-by-Step Strategies for Parents
- At the Helm: Leading an Autism School to Success
- Home-Based Employment
- Cures and Hope: One Size Does Not Fit All
- The Art of Hospitality
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…with Augmented Communication (Part 4)
- The Second Step of Communication: Physical Presence
- Common Sense Meetings
- Don’t Unbundle Me
- Learning to do Assignments that Other People Appreciate
On the Cover
Marissa Paige Robinson was born on the 4th of July and attends first grade at Mason Early Childhood Center in Ohio. She loves chocolate ice cream, animals, and having her hair and nails done. Her favorite song is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. To her parents and those who know her, Marissa is her own little star.
Cover photo by Lydia Hail, Portrait Innovations
2007 Issues
Jan-Feb 2007
Featured Articles:
Was It Something I Said? Was It Something I Did? Social Skills in the Workplace
- Drafted Without Warning! Autism & the Military Family
- A New Addition to the “Family”: Hiring In-home Support for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
- Finding Success in the Classroom: Effective Teaching Strategies for Students with AS
- One Step at a Time: Eight Lifesaving Tips for Managing Your Child’s Treatment
Regular Columns:
- Language Retrieval Challenges
- 7 Pillars of Wisdom for 2007
- Inclusion: the Wrong Choice?
- A Look Inside the Visual Thinking Brain
On the Cover
Brandon Jackson is five years old and loves computers, Disney DVDs, and his big sister, Taylor! He was diagnosed with autism at three and with early intervention continues to make great strides. He lives with his family in Monument, CO.
Cover photo: Pete Gniadek, Aprephoto.com
Mar-April 2007
Featured Articles:
Meet Tony Attwood! A Special AADigest Interview
- Doing Your Social BEST
- Hidden Community Resources
- Taking the Time to GET IT!
- Love Wins
- Autism is Not My Enemy
- Autism Brain Tissue Research Summary
Regular Columns:
- Time Mapping
- What We Leave Unsaid
- Higher Expectations Yield Results!
- Language Retrieval Challenges, Part 2
On The Cover
Lauren Api is a free-spirited five-year-old, with high functioning autism, ADHD and Sensory Integration Disorder. She attends mainstream kindergarten in Glendive, Montana with a full-time paraeducator and is at the top of her class!
Cover photo by Terry Osborn, Osborn Photography, Glendive Montana
May-June 2007
Featured Articles:
Toilet Training the Older Child
- Managing Your Early Intervention Team
- A Conversation with Dr. Arthur Krigsman
- Communicating in Outer Space: The Power of a Parent on a Mission
- The Boy Who Taught Me Love
- The Box
Regular Columns:
- A Thing Worth Having
- Healthy Self-Esteem
- Language Retrieval Challenges, Part 3
- “Undercover Agents”
On The Cover
Adorable Chase Yurtin was diagnosed at 20 months and thanks to a wonderful group of therapists, is making great strides in all areas of his development. Now five, he loves his computer, swimming, music class riding his tricycle, and singing. He and his twin sister Natalie live in beautiful California.
Cover photo by John Linney
July-Aug 2007
Featured Articles:
Prescription for Success: Considerations in the use of medications to change the behavior of children or adults with ASD
- Homework and Beyond! Teaching Organizational Skills to Individuals with ASD
- Developing Dating and Relationship Skills
- AADigest Interview: Meet Rebecca Landa!
- Life, Newly Discovered
- Not an Interview, More Like a Chat
Regular Columns:
- Hidden Helpers at School
- 4 Cornerstones of Social Awareness
- Language Retrieval Challenges, Part 4
- A Cool Pool Story
On the Cover
Adam, now 10 ½ years old, was diagnosed with autism at 22 months. Through many treatments, including ABA and bio-medical, he is now functioning at age level and attends 4th grade at St. John’s Catholic School in Spring Green, WI. Adam loves surfing, football, skateboarding, French fries, swimming, biking and spending time with his cousins and best friend Wyatt.
Cover photo by Jim Nelson, Richland Center, WI.
Sept-Oct 2007 - SOLD OUT!
Featured Articles:
Sweet Success: Balancing a Career and Mothering a Child with Autism
- Reading, Writing and Remediation: Lessons Learned from Special Schools
- Staging Your Home for Sale: Strategies for Maintaining Safety and Sanity
- Conquering New Heights: Rising Beyond the Limitations of AS
- 10 Ways to Help Children on the Autism Spectrum Succeed in School
- AADigest Interview: Sherry Shellenberger, OTR & Mary Sue Williams, OTR The Alert Program Founders
Regular Columns:
- The Little High School That Does
- Whole Task Teaching for Individuals with Severe Autism
- Now What? Helping the ASD Student in High School
- Finding the Words…When Our Kids Experience “Wordlessness” (Part 1)
On the Cover
Sam is a fun-loving five-year-old with PDD-NOS. His passion is cutting the grass with his dad and other neighbors who let him tag along behind them with his own lawnmower. Sam also loves camping lanterns, fans, zambonis, and spending time with his family, including his big brother Max. He is in a mainstream kindergarten class in Elk River, Minnesota.
Nov-Dec 2007
Featured Articles:
An Introduction to Glutathione
- The Importance of What We Do and Say: Strategies for Parenting a Child with Autism
- Reality-Based Practice for the Real World of Work
- “Are We There Yet?” Traveling with a Child with Autism
- When Less May be More: Searching for the Optimal Medication Dosage
- Post-Winkelman v. Parma: Ensuring Good Education for Special Needs Children
- My “Help Wanted” Ad
- I Believe in You
Regular Columns:
- Finding the Words…When Our Kids Experience “Wordlessness” (Part 2)
- Simply Good Ideas: November Thoughts and Tips
- My Can-Do Kid
- Getting Kids Turned on to Reading
On the Cover
Four-year-old Essencia Leandro loves music, physical activity, computers, math and her mommy. She was diagnosed with autism at 33 months. In the last 12 months, with early intervention and a supportive, loving environment, Essencia’s learning skills have blossomed to at or above age appropriate levels in all areas. Essencia and her family live in Victoria, BC.
2006 Issues
Jan-Feb 2006
Featured Articles:
Techniques for Remediation of Executive Dysfunction in Children with Developmental Disabilities
- Singing John’s Song
- My Letting Go, His Moving On: A Tale of Adventure & Intrigue
- Not Just Autism
- What I Know About George
Regular Columns:
- Missing Brain Circuits in Autism
- Autism Around the World – Canada
- APE on the IEP
- Teaching English as a Second Language to a Child with Autism
- Finding the Words…Dyspraxia, Part 1
- A Touching Tale of Success
- When Math Doesn't Add Up
- The ASD Male’s Survival Guide to High School
- Comfort Foods
- Plan Today for Generalization Tomorrow
On the Cover
“Princess Hannah”, as she refers to herself, is pictured on the cover with her older brother Jordan. Hannah is 5 years old and has autism. She loves to swim and enjoys it so much she sleeps in her swimsuit most nights! She and her family live in Lubbock, TX.
March-April 2006
Featured Articles:
Weird Can Be Wonderful: The Uses of Special Interests
- Boosting Self-Esteem in the Autism Spectrum Child
- Seeing the Light
- Dr. Mark’s Mental Messages for Success
Regular Columns:
- Innovative Thinking Paves the Way for AS Career Success
- Three-year IEPs: Fact or Fiction?
- Video Game Self-Control Skills
- Finding the Words…Dyspraxia, Part 2
- Ready for K....and Beyond
- Disaster Preparedness
- GF/CF: Back to Basics
- The Enigma of Autism Behaviors: Enabling Success & Finding Solutions
On the Cover
Jaykob, now 5, recently moved with his parents to Nairobi, Kenya. While he loves the old British Train Museum there, he’s not quite sure what to make of the animals yet. Jaykob enjoys playing outdoors, reading books and playing board games.
May-June 2006
Featured Articles:
25 Reasons to Use Visual Strategies
- Inclusion of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Updates and Other Thoughts
- Other Child, Other Mother
- Up a Creek Without an Idiom
Regular Columns:
- The Enigma of Autism Behaviors: Enabling Success & Finding Solutions: Part 2: Parent Behaviors
- Pomp and Circumstance
- Rudeness is Inexcusable
- Rings, Romance and Resonance
- GF/CF Back to Basics: How to do an
- Elimination Diet
- Choosing a Social Skills Program
- Helping Your Visual Child Become Verbal! (Part 1)
- Disaster Preparedness, Part 2
- Three-year IEPs: Fact or Fiction? Part 2
- Autism Around the World – U.K.
On the Cover
Owen is a mischievous eight-year-old who loves animals of any kind, especially the family dog, cat, lizard, and chickens. He enjoys drawing, growing pumpkins, and building Legos with his brother. Owen and his family live in Homer, Alaska.
July-Aug 2006
Featured Articles:
Jimmy “Superboy” Marino
- After the Autism Diagnosis: Staying Connected as a Couple
- Our Education Choice: “None of the above…” Homeschooling a Child with Asperger’s Syndrome
- Hold My Hand
- Blinded by Autism
- Research Update By Cure Autism Now
Regular Columns:
- The Enigma of Autism Behaviors: Enabling Success & Finding Solutions: Part 3: Educator Behaviors
- It Takes a Mantra
- Solving Behavior Problems in Nonverbal Individuals with Autism
- Up, Up and Away or…How I Spent My Summer Vacation!
- The Assessment Binder
- Helping Your Visual Child Become Verbal! (Part 2)
- Stallion Sense: Learning the Power of Saying "So What"
- How to Prepare for a Due Process Hearing
On the Cover
Abigail Vickery is a happy, energetic five-year-old from Texas. Her favorite things are playing outside with her sister Danielle (2), little people toys, stuffed animals, numbers, and collecting rubber frogs. She loves riding the bus to school where she receives exemplary services from the Mesquite ISD.
Sept-Oct 2006
Featured Articles:
Brave New World: 13 Things to Keep in Mind as Your Child with ASD Reaches Adolescence Getting Past the Anger: Using the Creative Asperger Mind to Your Advantage
- Taking the Plunge! Homeschooling a Child with Asperger’s Syndrome, Part 2
- Self-Management: A Proactive Strategy for Students with Asperger Syndrome
- Autism Awareness Programs: Demystify, Not Identify
- George and the Chocolate Factory
Regular Columns:
- Principles of Treatment
- Helping Your Visual Child Become Verbal! (Part 3)
- If the Jetsons had a Child With Autism...
- The Enigma of Autism Behaviors: Enabling Success & Finding Solutions: Part 4: Success Strategies
- Behavior Is Communication: Yours, Mine and Ours
- Emotional Differences Among Individuals with Autism or Asperger’s
- GF/CF: All Aboard!
- Shipping Horses or People: A Little Planning Makes It Easier
On the Cover
Jake is a sweet-natured young man who loves to hunt for lizards, and has a passion for Godzilla, reptiles, amphibians and ocean animals. He was named Goalie of the Year on his soccer team this season, and is in the chess club. Jake and his family live in Georgia.
Nov-Dec 2006
Featured Articles:
Don’t Just Cope – Hope! Creating the Future You Want for You and Your Child with Autism
- The Friendship Club
- Open Play…Whole Children
- Sexuality Instruction & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Regular Columns:
- Autism and Music-A Parent’s Guide to Music Instruction
- Helping Your Visual Child Become Verbal! (Part 4)
- The Inspired Inclusion Classroom
- Look Beyond the Behavior
- Rx for Battle Fatigue
- The Effect of Sensory and Perceptual Difficulties on Learning Styles
- GF/CF: Hello and Goodbye
- Parental Rights and Procedural Safeguards
On the Cover
Noah Schachter and his younger sister, Audrey, are best friends. They attend the same public school in Massachusetts, where Noah is in a fully integrated classroom. He loves writing, art, haunted houses and scary monsters. Now eight, he has begun reading about autism and did a presentation about it in his classroom.
For a complete list of available issues and their contents from 1999-2005, click here.