Barbara Boroson

Licensed Master Social Worker,
Scholastic & ASCD author,
National Speaker & Autism Inclusion Specialist
 
~providing practical, dynamic autism support for general educators~

“Wow, wow, wow! I loved your webinar! We've just gone into Covid lockdown in Western Australia, and your suggestions are gold!”

Eileen Flanagan, STEM Teacher of Indigenous Students, Fremantle, Western Australia

Barbara‘s presentation was fantastic. I learned more about autism spectrum disorder in this one hour than I did in all my thirty years of teaching!

—Debbie Dermady, NYSRA/ILA State Coordinator

“An engaging, thoughtful and valuable resource. Highly recommended!”

—Matt Stoeckel, PsychCentral

"I could not put this book down! It has helped us all understand that there are no limitations on students who are on the spectrum!"

—Monica Rainey, 4th-grade inclusion teacher, Ripley, MI

”Barbara's presentation was absolutely worthy of the standing ovation she received.“

—Kathryn Greene, Executive Director, The Light House, Groton, CT

“Concise, crystal clear, clever, supportive, and even funny, while always thorough.”

—Dr. Paul Farrell, School Psychologist, NY

”We can't wait to have Barbara back next year!”

—Dr. Michael Shaw, Director, NCTE Reading Collaborative

“Teachers need understanding, practical answers, and strategies like these. This is a terrific book.”

—Glenn Roark, teacher, Hohenfels MS/HS, Hohenfels, Germany

“Check out this great resource. Boroson’s book covers it all!”

—Brian Smith, 2017 Teacher-of-the-Year, Alexander County, NC

“[This book] provides a profound understanding of the complexity of ASD... while still celebrating the beauty and strength of every individual child."

—Cathy Rodriguez, SpEd Teacher, Pelham, NY

“This book IS AWESOME!”

—Debra Frantz, parent

“We are using your book around the world! Well done, and thank you.”

—LeAndra Smith, SpEd Teacher, US Dept. of Defense Education in Europe & the Southwest Pacitic

“I cannot think of anything better the author could do. Yes, it is that good!”

—Steven Swiger, general education teacher, US Department of Defense Education in Europe

“Barbara has a wealth of experience to share with her audience. She is an engaging, and wonderful speaker."

—Julie Piepenbring, Exec. VP/CCO, Adelbrook Behav. & Devel. Services

“When Barbara spoke to my graduate students in psychology, it was as memorable a class as they ever had."

—Dr. Paul Farrell, School Psychologist, NY

“My speech/language pathology graduate students were absolutely spellbound by Barbara’s presentation."

—Vicki Ettenger, Adj. Professor, Mercy College, NY

“Barbara’s keynote address and breakout sessions were exactly what our district needed…. A perfect presentation."

—Tony Thurman, Ph.D., Superintendent, Cabot Public Schools, AR

“Because of Barbara’s unique and compelling perspective on autism, my life as an educator was changed forever."

—Brian Evans, President, BoE, Cabot Public Schools, AR

“Authoritative and articulate, warm and wise; a wonderful learning experience with a true expert."

—Mark Heller, Head of School, Academy at the Lakes, FL

“Terrific class! I learned so much! I can’t wait to attend any other workshops Barbara offers in the future!"

—Anna Maria Parejo, Gen. Ed. Teacher, TX

“I loved the collaborative format of the course, supported by Barbara's expert input."

—Laura D'Amato, Reading Specialist, Bellmore, NY

"A BIG THANK YOU!  Your book...is the best resource I have had in my 17 years as a teacher! Wow!"

—Kathryn Reedy, Intervention Specialist K--5, Ohio

“Educators and parents were equally enlightened and captivated during Barbara’s presentation."

—Lynda Bedri, Board Member, The Light House, Groton, CT

“Barbara was an inspiration."

—Cecelia Davidson, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, Faculty, Bank Street College of Education, NY

“Incredibly engaging and practical session….You ‘hooked’ me!"

—Thom Ronk, Teaching & Learning Senior Manager, Teaching Tolerance

“It was wonderful brainstorming together and learning from the experience Barbara has collected from her different roles as an educator, administrator, and parent."

—Krista Zucker, Special Education Teacher, NY

Barbara Boroson

Licensed Master Social Worker 
Scholastic & ASCD author
National Speaker & Autism Inclusion Specialist
~providing practical, dynamic autism support for general educators~

“Wow, wow, wow! I loved your webinar! We've just gone into Covid lockdown in Western Australia, and your suggestions are gold!”

Eileen Flanagan, STEM Teacher of Indigenous Students, Fremantle, Western Australia

Barbara‘s presentation was fantastic. I learned more about autism spectrum disorder in this one hour than I did in all my thirty years of teaching!

—Debbie Dermady, NYSRA/ILA State Coordinator

“An engaging, thoughtful and valuable resource. Highly recommended!”

—Matt Stoeckel, PsychCentral

"I could not put this book down! It has helped us all understand that there are no limitations on students who are on the spectrum!"

—Monica Rainey, 4th-grade inclusion teacher, Ripley, MI

”Barbara's presentation was absolutely worthy of the standing ovation she received.“

—Kathryn Greene, Executive Director, The Light House, Groton, CT

“Concise, crystal clear, clever, supportive, and even funny, while always thorough.”

—Dr. Paul Farrell, School Psychologist, NY

”We can't wait to have Barbara back next year!”

—Dr. Michael Shaw, Director, NCTE Reading Collaborative

“Teachers need understanding, practical answers, and strategies like these. This is a terrific book.”

—Glenn Roark, teacher, Hohenfels MS/HS, Hohenfels, Germany

“Check out this great resource. Boroson’s book covers it all!”

—Brian Smith, 2017 Teacher-of-the-Year, Alexander County, NC

“[This book] provides a profound understanding of the complexity of ASD... while still celebrating the beauty and strength of every individual child."

—Cathy Rodriguez, SpEd Teacher, Pelham, NY

“This book IS AWESOME!”

—Debra Frantz, parent

“We are using your book around the world! Well done, and thank you.”

—LeAndra Smith, SpEd Teacher, US Dept. of Defense Education in Europe & the Southwest Pacitic

“I cannot think of anything better the author could do. Yes, it is that good!”

—Steven Swiger, general education teacher, US Department of Defense Education in Europe

“Barbara has a wealth of experience to share with her audience. She is an engaging, and wonderful speaker."

—Julie Piepenbring, Exec. VP/CCO, Adelbrook Behav. & Devel. Services

“When Barbara spoke to my graduate students in psychology, it was as memorable a class as they ever had."

—Dr. Paul Farrell, School Psychologist, NY

“My speech/language pathology graduate students were absolutely spellbound by Barbara’s presentation."

—Vicki Ettenger, Adj. Professor, Mercy College, NY

“Barbara’s keynote address and breakout sessions were exactly what our district needed…. A perfect presentation."

—Tony Thurman, Ph.D., Superintendent, Cabot Public Schools, AR

“Because of Barbara’s unique and compelling perspective on autism, my life as an educator was changed forever."

—Brian Evans, President, BoE, Cabot Public Schools, AR

“Authoritative and articulate, warm and wise; a wonderful learning experience with a true expert."

—Mark Heller, Head of School, Academy at the Lakes, FL

“Terrific class! I learned so much! I can’t wait to attend any other workshops Barbara offers in the future!"

—Anna Maria Parejo, Gen. Ed. Teacher, TX

“I loved the collaborative format of the course, supported by Barbara's expert input."

—Laura D'Amato, Reading Specialist, Bellmore, NY

"A BIG THANK YOU!  Your book...is the best resource I have had in my 17 years as a teacher! Wow!"

—Kathryn Reedy, Intervention Specialist K--5, Ohio

“Educators and parents were equally enlightened and captivated during Barbara’s presentation."

—Lynda Bedri, Board Member, The Light House, Groton, CT

“Barbara was an inspiration."

—Cecelia Davidson, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, Faculty, Bank Street College of Education, NY

“Incredibly engaging and practical session….You ‘hooked’ me!"

—Thom Ronk, Teaching & Learning Senior Manager, Teaching Tolerance

“It was wonderful brainstorming together and learning from the experience Barbara has collected from her different roles as an educator, administrator, and parent."

—Krista Zucker, Special Education Teacher, NY

ABOUT

Barbara Boroson is the author of Disability in the Family: Guidance for Professionals from Parents and Guardians (Routledge, 2023), The General Education Teacher’s Guide to Autism: Essential Answers to Key Questions (Solution Tree, 2022), Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion (ASCD, 2020), and Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom: How to Reach and Teach Students with ASD (2nd Edition, Scholastic, 2016), along with numerous articles.

She is an internationally requested speaker, presenting at educational conferences including NSBA (National School Boards Association), NAESP & NASSP (National Associations of Elementary/ Secondary Principals), ILA (International Literacy Association), ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development), as well as at state and regional conferences, colleges, and graduate schools. She provides professional development and consultative services to school districts, educators, and parents, helping to facilitate inclusion.

Barbara holds an undergraduate degree in writing from Cornell University and a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. She has worked in the field of autism spectrum education for more than 25 years in clinical, administrative, and advisory capacities. She and her husband live just outside of New York City. They have one timid rescue dog and two fierce young adult children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum.

ARTICLES

"Decoding Autism in the Context of the Coronavirus Pandemic" (ASCD Express)

 

Students on the autism spectrum have good reason to be anxious most of the time. Now whip up those worries with an invisible, unpredictable, uncontainable pandemic and it’s a recipe for incapacitating anxiety. What’s an educator to do?
Click here to read Decoding Autism in the Context of the Coronavirus

Adapting to Autism while Coping with the Coronavirus Pandemic (book supplement)

This supplement to my brand new book, “Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion” (ASCD, August 2020), helps educators to align their new pandemic pedagogy with differentiated autism approaches. You can’t do it all! But this will help you do your best. Click here to read “Addendum: Decoding Autism and Leading the Way to Successful Inclusion in the Era of the Coronavirus Pandemic.”

 

"Just Keep Swimming: Distance Learning for Students on the Autism Spectrum" (Norton K–12 Talk)
"Picture This" (Educational Leadership Magazine)

published in Educational Leadership Magazine, ASCD, January 2019

Drawing while listening engages parts of the brain that may not be activated by listening alone or by transcribing spoken words into written notes. Given that most students on the spectrum struggle mightily with engagement, learn best by doing, and think visually by default, sketch-noting is a natural fit.
Click here to read Picture This

"Making an Inclusive Classroom Work" (Education Week)

published in Education Week, April 2018

For his blog, Larry Ferlazzo was asked “What is the best advice you can offer to teachers who have students with special needs in their classes?” He passed the question to me and to several others, seeking some quick answers to a big question.
Click here to read Making an Inclusive Classroom Work

"Building Bridges Across the Autism Spectrum" (Educational Leadership Magazine—*Award Winner*)

published in Educational Leadership Magazine, ASCD, September 2017
~Winner of the Association of Media and Publishing, Silver Award for Best Feature Article in a magazine~

Given the many, many challenges students on the autism spectrum bring into the general-ed or inclusive classroom, it’s no surprise that teachers are struggling. But what do teachers struggle with most? It’s not behavior. It’s not socialization or engagement or communication. It’s me. It’s parents. It’s this: What do we do when parents just won’t hear what we tell them?
Click here to read Building Bridges Across the Autism Spectrum.

"Inclusive Education: Lessons from History" (Educational Leadership Magazine)

published in Educational Leadership Magazine, ASCD, April 2017

How has education evolved from exclusion to inclusion, from judgment to acceptance, and from disability to difference? Today, diverse learners breathe energy, openness, and vitality into our classrooms and curriculum. Today, every kid is an inclusion kid.
Click here to read Inclusive Education: Lessons from History.

"Autism Spectrum Disorder Today: Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Content" (Lang. & Lit. Spectrum Magazine)

published in Language and Literacy Spectrum, NYSRA, summer 2016

We hold this truth to be self-evident: Students on the autism spectrum need support with life literacy before they can reach for content literacy. This article provides educators with an understanding of the interplay between life and content literacy in the classroom, as well as strategies to maximize success for these diverse learners….
Click here to read Autism Spectrum Disorder Today: Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Content

"Who’s That Knocking On My Door? How to Facilitate an Inclusive Environment for Students on the Autism Spectrum" (Scholastic EduPulse)

published at Scholastic’s EduPulse Administrator Blog, summer 2016

Even as classrooms become more diverse, teachers are expected to bring all students to a common destination. Differentiating for students on the autism spectrum in this seemingly paradoxical context sets a high bar for general educators. Here are a few key strategies to help you support your faculty and your students on the spectrum, their classmates, and their families….
Click here to read Who’s That Knocking On My Door? How to Facilitate an Inclusive Environment for Students on the Autism Spectrum

"Ten Things Educators Can Do Before Day One to Support Students on the Autism Spectrum" (Scholastic Blog)

published at edu@Scholastic Blog, summer 2016

Every student on the autism spectrum will enter your classroom bearing a backpack full of worries. If they can’t put those worries down when the new school year begins, then toting that heavy load will become a way of life at school, a learned behavior. Each day they will return to school burdened and compromised by the worries on their backs. Seize this time during the summer to prepare a classroom that exudes comfort, clarity, and consistency, so that students can offload their worries and be ready to learn, even on day one. Here is a basic list of what you can do before day one to ease the transition for students on the spectrum….
Click here to read Ten Things Educators Can Do Before Day One to Support Students on the Autism Spectrum

"Common Core Meets Uncommon Kids: Finding Common Ground with Students on the Autism Spectrum" (Principal Magazine)

published in Principal Magazine, NAESP, fall 2015

In 2010, the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) blew in like a tornado to slam shut achievement gaps and whip every student into readiness for college and careers by the end of high school. Now educators are expected to bring all students to a common destination. But at the very same time, unprecedented numbers of students on the autism spectrum are being placed in inclusive classrooms, requiring teachers to differentiate more than ever. So educators are in a bind: Just as standards become increasingly uniform, classrooms become increasingly diverse. It’s a twister….
Common Core Meets Uncommon Kids: Finding Common Ground with Students on the Autism Spectrum

"Impact" (multiple publications)

published in:

  • The Jewish Standard, About Our Children, April 2015
  • Westchester Family Magazine, July 2011
  • Western New York Family Magazine, April 2010
  • Autism News of Orange County and the Rest of the World, Fall 2008

Children with special needs have played a powerful role in Barbara’s life not only professionally, but very personally as well. Her personal essay, Impact, describes her own pregnancy as it coincided with her work in the field of special education, and her desperate—and ultimately futile—efforts to avoid a collision between the two worlds….
Click here to read Impact. 

"Autism Spectrum Meets Common Core… Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (The Autism Notebook)

published in The Autism Notebook, spring 2014

In 2010, Common Core State Standards (CCSS) blew in like a tornado to slam shut achievement gaps and whip every student into readiness for college and careers by the end of high school. The term “Common Core” refers to a set of “core” standards that every student across the country will be expected to meet, regardless of location, funding, resources, teacher-education, demographics, or ability. Oh, wait—ability? Where do students with differing abilities fit into this one-size-fits-all equation?
Click here to read Autism Spectrum Meets Common Core… Somewhere Over the Rainbow 

Hot, hot, hot off the presses!

Get yours now!

In addition to all of the valuable, accessible ideas teachers loved in the first edition, you’ll find lots of new strategies, resources, and information:

Read More

  • An expanded grade range (now K–8), in response to reader demand for middle school support
  • New resources, including:
    • a brand-new chapter about collaborating with colleagues to establish a truly inclusive school community
    • reproducible fact sheets you can easily share with classroom paraprofessionals, building staff, and special area teachers
    • a new feature called “There’s an App for That,” providing tips for using technology to support every area of challenge
  • The latest developments on the autism landscape, including:
    • skyrocketing statistics reflecting the prevalence of ASD
    • entirely new diagnostic criteria for ASD
    • the special challenges presented by the Common Core State Standards and other rigorous new state standards—and ways to navigate them successfully