Parents in 16 families of children with autism spectrum disorders or Down syndrome participated in a qualitative study examining family (i.e., all caregivers in the home) belief systems. All families had children who had recently entered elementary school or who were in the early years of high school. As a result of their experiences, families…

This exploratory study employed qualitative methodology to analyze interview data that emerged from face-to-face interviews with eight parents of four children with autism spectrum disorder. The study focused on the roles these parents played as they monitored their children's educational programs and interacted with school professionals. The…

Recent studies have validated the phenomenon of autistic regression, but little is known about how regressive and congenital onsets of the disorder influence parents' thinking about autism and its etiology. Parents (N = 327) of children with autism spectrum disorders completed an online questionnaire about their children's development.…

The interaction between parents of children with ASD and education professionals is a critical issue, due to increasing prevalence rates, increasing litigation, and legal mandates of the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which require parental involvement in the education of children with disabilities. The purpose…

Six adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) were interviewed about their experiences regarding employment. Methods included conducting initial and follow-up interviews, either in person, on the phone, or via e-mail. Repeatedly, difficulties and problems interfering with employment success emerged. All of the adults who were interviewed had difficulty…

Reviews major tenets of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amendments of 1997, including strengthening of the role of parents, ensuring access to the general education curriculum, modification of discipline procedures, and changes in how Individualized Education Programs are developed and written. Discusses potential…

Summarizes features of the 1994 School-to-Work Opportunities Act, describes what states and localities are doing to include youth with disabilities in school-to-work initiatives, and offers recommendations to special educators, rehabilitation professionals, students with disabilities, and parents for increasing the participation of youth with…