As a university professor in the field of Communication Sciences and Disorders, I conduct various research studies. For several years, I included the study of people with autism who are visual artists in my research agenda. Cleveland State University funded my research with a Faculty Scholarship Initiative grant, and I was able to travel to interview working artists and see exhibitions of artwork, …
Keeping a New Year’s Resolution: Does it Count if You are Having Fun?
In 2022, I was looking for a way to become more involved in Cleveland’s arts and cultural scene, probably as a volunteer. I was also considering how to keep a New Year’s resolution that I had been recycling for a few years, that being to experience more live performances of classical music and to learn more about different styles of music. My good friend had been volunteering at the Maltz …
Have You Met Jessica Park?
Not quite 20 years ago, while visiting the Yale University Art Gallery, I happened upon a brightly colored, dazzlingly detailed painting of a house. Such a simple subject for a painting, but seen through the creative eyes of Jessica Park, whose fame as an artist with autism was growing internationally, the house almost pulsed with life. That is where I met Jessica Park. Jessica’s story is …
Board Member Spotlight: Dr. Monica Gordon Pershey
Meet Dr. Monica Gordon Pershey, a dedicated Orange Effect Foundation Board Member, as she lets us in on her fascination with British TV shows. She'll take you on a journey through her favorite shows, and she's got some great recommendations too! Confessions of a British TV Fan Don’t call me on Sunday evenings. Don’t bother me when I am reading the Ideastream Public Media Program Guide. Yes, …
Learning How to Read: Free Online Materials for Children and Adults
For some children and adults with autism or other special needs, learning how to read can require time, patience, and support. Many caregivers, including parents and family members, teachers, tutors, and speech-language pathologists, can contribute to teaching children and adults to read. One of the questions that caregivers may ask is, “Where can I find good materials for teaching reading and …
Communication between Children with ASD and their Typically Developing Siblings
Siblings grow up alongside one another and provide each other with friendship and support. Brothers and sisters bond in special ways that are distinct to siblings. According to some past research, siblings’ influences on children’s social development are sometimes stronger than parental influences and are as strong as peer influences. Because children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might …
