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Autism/reading comprehension

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Expert: - 2/16/2011


Question
My son, 11, is in 5th grade, gen ed, with supports (speech, social group, and get extra AIS help in math and reading).  His decoding, rote reading are well above average, but comprehension is his issue.  The reading specialist is working with him on inferencing strategies, but he's not making progress in using skills when reading a story.  Are there any programs that I can suggest to the teachers, and are they "legally" obligated to provide evidence-based programs to address his need? He his classified and has an IEP.  THank you, SHaron

Answer
Hi Sharon

Reading comprehension and inferencing are common problems for people on the spectrum. You should definitely be including goals for these things in your son's IEP. I don't know if they are legally obligated to use evidence-based curriculum or if they can use any means they see fit to teach your son these important skills.

If you want to invest some time and money (not too much :) we can do a consult in which I suggest some programming to you for these skills. If you are interested, just email me at info@valerieherskowitz.com

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Valerie Herskowitz

Expertise

I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience

I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
Vice President of Communications Florida Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Member American Speech and Hearing Association, MembernAutism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

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