Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Recreation

In eleven chapters the contributors examine recreational opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including defining the role of parents, assessing experiences, planning and supporting recreational events, and creating strategies for developing recreational skills. They describe how to include and support people with ASD in parks and recreation agencies, youth service organizations, and camp programs. They also include methods of assessment to ensure people with ASD get the most from their recreational experience. Appendices give resources, web sites, and related organizations. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Ann Fullerton, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Special and Counselor Education Department at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon. In addition to teacher training, Ann’s professional interests are supports for individuals with ASD and outdoor recreation for individuals with disabilities. She coordinates a service learning course for undergraduates who serve as counselors at the Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp for individuals with disabilities. She recently published with Brannan, et. al.

Including Youth with Disabilities in Outdoor Programs: Best Practices, Outcomes, and Resources, a national study of inclusive camps. In the area of ASD, she has developed a curriculum in self-determination for youth with ASD and published with Phyllis Coyne and other colleagues Higher Functioning Individuals with Autism: A Teacher’s Guide that provides instructional and social support strategies for middle and secondary teachers.

Phyllis Coyne

Phyllis Coyne, M.S.; Recreation and Park Management, has been an Autism Specialist with Columbia Regional Program—Autism Spectrum Disorder Services for 20 years. During this time, she has trained and consulted with thousands of staff and parents in effective techniques for supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Previous to being an Autism Specialist and special education teacher, Phyllis worked in inclusive outdoor adventure recreation, coordinated a model demonstration project on recreation for adolescents with developmental disabilities, and was a Therapeutic Recreation consultant in North Carolina and Oregon. She has served on the Board of Directors of the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, the editorial board of the Journal of Leisurability, and the Leisure Committee of the Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (TASH). Phyllis previously combined the areas of leisure and Autism as a co-author of Developing Leisure Time Skills for Persons with Autism.