Autism as an Academic Paradigm

August 18th, 2009 Posted in Education/Academic Skills


Underlying the philosophy of AHEADD, and a running theme of this blog, is the conviction that while individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have some specific skills deficits, it is critically important to not overlook their abilities and strengths.
Tyler Cowen, economics professor at George Mason University and author, recently published an article titled “Autism as an Academic Paradigm” in The Chronicle Review. Cowen discussed autism and higher education, specifically the misunderstandings, stereotypes, and bias language that so often infiltrate popular thought. Following is an excerpt:

Autism is often described as a disease or a plague, but when it comes to the American college or university, autism is often a competitive advantage rather than a problem to be solved. One reason American academe is so strong is because it mobilizes the strengths and talents of people on the autistic spectrum so effectively. In spite of some of the harmful rhetoric, the on-the-ground reality is that autistics have been very good for colleges, and colleges have been very good for autistics.

To read the rest of Tyler Cowen’s article, click here.

  1. 2 Responses to “Autism as an Academic Paradigm”

  2. By Barbara Kelley on Oct 19, 2011

    Dear Tyler Cowen,

    I was extremely interested in your article about autistics in colleges and universities. I am currently working on a project through Walden University Online about individuals with autism, specifically teacher training for those teachers in colleges and universities who already teach, or might sometime in the near future teach, individuals with autism in their classrooms. Do you know of any programs currently existing in colleges and universities where they offer teacher training? If so, could you please let me know so that I may contact them for reference in my dissertation?

    Sincerely,
    Barbara Kelley

  3. By Heather on Oct 28, 2011

    Hi Barbara,

    AHEADD provides training to college professors on a regular, and often individualized basis. Many universities are now offering, as part of their special education and/or psychology graduate programs, an autism certificate. There is also the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (www.bacb.com) which provides a certificate in behavioral analysis (commonly used with individuals with autism) to individuals with undergraduate and graduate degrees. The DASP program at Drexel University is another program specifically designed to support teachers of individuals on the spectrum.

    Heather

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