Helping Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Express their Thoughts and Knowledge in Writing

Elise Geither, PhD, is Associate Director of Spoken English Programs at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio. She has over 20 years of experience teaching, tutoring, and advising students at the university level and previously worked as an English teacher in secondary level education. She specializes in working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are transitioning from high school to university. She lives in North Ridgeville, OH. Lisa Meeks, PhD, is Director of Student Disability Services at the University of California, San Francisco. She has done extensive work in the area of transitions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder developing specialized supports at three universities and she frequently consults with corporate and academic institutions regarding effective supports for students on the spectrum. She lives in San Francisco, CA.

Finally! A helpful resource on writing for students on the autism spectrum. Elise Geither and Lisa Meeks give us useful tools and tips to assist students in developing this much needed skill. Tutors, professors and academic support professionals as well as teachers will benefit from the experience of these authors and their intensive work in writing. This is the book parents will want to have on hand to share with teachers and tutors who support their students on the Autism Spectrum.

• Preface. 1. Writing and the Student with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. 2. Processing Information and Comprehension. 3. Executive Functioning. 4. The Writing Process: Tips for Working with Students. 5. The Product. 6. Creativity and Expression in Writing. 7. The Role of the Parent in the Writing Process. 8. Assistive Technology. 9. Preparing for University Life. 10. Extended Writing Projects: Dissertations and Thesis. 11. Conclusions. Appendix A: Charts of Tips, Consolidated from the Text. Appendix B: Summary of ASD Issues with Academic Writing and How Tutors Can Help. References. List of Texts Commonly Used in Composition Courses.