Barbara Boroson
Licensed Master Social Worker,
Scholastic & ASCD author,
National Speaker & Autism Inclusion Specialist
~providing practical, dynamic autism support for general educators~
Barbara Boroson
Licensed Master Social Worker
Scholastic & ASCD author
National Speaker & Autism Inclusion Specialist
~providing practical, dynamic autism support for general educators~
Professional Development & Inclusion Support
On-Site Inclusion Support Services
Inclusion brings both transformative possibilities and practical challenges into classrooms, schools, and districts. Barbara Boroson provides on-site program evaluation and consultation, classroom visits and organizational guidance, student/teacher observations and feedback, system streamlining support, small-group facilitation, 1:1 coaching, planning and debriefing sessions, and other supportive services.
Professional Development Workshops
Barbara’s dynamic, informative workshops are available individually or can be combined to create robust professional learning opportunities for faculty and staff. Every workshop is customized to meet the particular needs of your school or district.
For General Education Teachers and School & District Administrators: "Reaching Students on the Autism Spectrum... AND the Grown-Ups Who Come with Them"
More students on the autism spectrum are being placed in inclusive classrooms now than ever before. This means that general educators are being stretched in “special” directions. In this dynamic session, general educators will explore and reimagine the classroom through the eyes, ears, noses, toes, and myriad challenges of students on the spectrum. Participants will collect strategies for easing anxiety, soothing the senses, supporting socialization, boosting engagement in the curriculum, and decoding and pre-empting disruptive behaviors. We will also look at these students in their family contexts and tease apart why interactions with the parents and guardians of these students can be particularly fraught. Together we will develop new perspectives and strategies for minimizing conflict and maximizing the potential of the children we share.
For General Educators: "Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Content: Autism Spectrum Disorder at School"
We hold this truth to be self-evident: Students on the spectrum need support with life literacy, before they can reach for content literacy. This lively session provides critical strategies for reducing anxiety, enhancing engagement, decoding behavior, and supporting socialization—all necessary benchmarks on the path toward curricular learning. We will look at effective techniques for getting information in and information out, as we move toward our collective goal of literacy and independence for all.
For General Educators: "Can't Stop the Feeling: Decoding Behavior and Boosting Executive Functioning with Students on the Autism Spectrum"
It’s true… we can’t stop a feeling. (Justin Timberlake was right about that.) But we can help students learn to manage their reactions to feelings. This dynamic, interactive workshop explores the many challenges students on the spectrum face—including executive function, sensation, socialization, cognitive processing, engagement, and anxiety—and the impact these challenges have on behavior. Participants will collect practical strategies for decoding the functional messages students communicate through behavior and will take away new sensibilities and new sensitivities about partnering effectively with parents and guardians. Working together, we can minimize disruption, maximize achievement, and optimize the extraordinary potential of our students on the spectrum.
Specially for Gen. Ed. & Spec. Ed. Teachers and School & District Administrators: "The Things They Carry: Partnering with Parents and Guardians of Students with Disabilities"
Although parents and guardians may share our long-term goals of happiness and success for their children, their perspectives about their children and their attitudes toward school, education, and disability may vary dramatically. This session explores intersectional challenges behind the resistance, frustration, and even hostility you may encounter from these parents and guardians. Collect empathic, effective, and equitable strategies for partnering with parents and guardians and establishing the collaborative relationship our students need us to model and maintain.
Specially for Classroom Paraprofessionals: "Keep Calm and Carry On: Support for Supporters of Students on the Autism Spectrum"
This session, specially designed for classroom paraprofessionals, introduces the underlying challenges that drive difficult behaviors among students on the autism spectrum. We discuss ways to look for the root of the problem, rather than respond to only the outward behaviors. Participants practice strategies for helping impulsive students capture that elusive “stop-and-think” moment before acting or reacting. The goal is to help front-line staff develop a fundamental understanding of the challenges and strengths among students with special needs, in order to generate empathic, effective support in the classroom.
Specially for Special Area Teachers (eg., PE, music, art, library, tech): "The Ball's In Your Court: Following Through in Special Area Classes"
Special area classes pose unique challenges to students on the autism spectrum. The sensory challenges are extreme and the group/team work expectations are intense, and all that while these students are outside their classroom comfort zones. This session provides practical information and strategies that are specifically attuned to the needs of special area teachers, so that every student shines.
Specially for School Building Staff (e.g., secretaries, cafeteria workers, recess aides, nurses, hall monitors, security guards, custodians, and bus drivers): "Transitional Moments: Expecting the Unexpected "
School building staff and municipal workers come into contact with students on the autism spectrum at particularly challenging times. In moments of transition or emergency, these children are likely to become overwhelmed. Just when they need to move (and quickly), they may act out or shut down. Often these intense situations spiral from bad to worse: As the adult gets impatient, the child retreats even further. This cycle can be broken with a little education about what autism spectrum disorder “look like” and how to respond efficiently and effectively.
Specially For Bus Drivers and Bus Monitors: "Paving the Way to School: Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum on the Bus"
The school bus ride is always bumpy for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s a social minefield, and it’s an anxious transitional time between one comfort zone (home) and another (school). In such challenging parts of the day, the likelihood that these students will become overwhelmed is heightened. Worse still, the more upset they get, the more upset they get, so these difficult situations often spiral quickly from bad to worse. This cycle can be broken with just a little education about what ASD “looks like” and how to respond efficiently and effectively to make the bus ride a much smoother transition for everyone.
A 15-Hour Course for General Educators and Special Area Teachers: "Autism Spectrum Disorder in The Mix: Learning Together in Inclusive Classrooms"
This engaging, interactive course supports all general educators who are working with students on the autism spectrum in inclusive classrooms. Together, we examine life in the classroom through the eyes, ears, noses, toes, and perspectives of students on the spectrum, developing a robust understanding of the many challenges they face. We look closely at anxiety, regulation, sensation, communication, engagement, socialization, behavior, information acquisition and demonstration, and collaboration around the building and with families. Participants collect a comprehensive cache of preventive and interventive practical strategies. This upbeat course incorporates group activities, real-life scenario study, and more, as we pave the way to success for our students on the spectrum.
Hot, hot, hot off the presses!
Praise for the 2nd Edition of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom
“Boroson’s years of experience are apparent throughout the pages of her book. Each chapter furthers your understanding of autism while also providing discrete suggestions and interventions. Rather than a prescriptive and potentially overwhelming list of ‘must-dos,’ she promotes an approach that focuses ‘less on implementing strategies and more on looking at our students through [an] investigative lens.’
Read More
“Throughout the book, Boroson is cognizant of how having children with autism spectrum disorder in the classroom can affect those around them, including teachers and other students. She writes, ‘As you begin this journey with students on the autism spectrum, you may be nearly as anxious as they are.’ And [though] the experience can be rewarding, she notes that ‘progress is likely to be resoundingly quiet, conspicuously subtle.’
“Boroson has created a highly readable book that offers concrete advice while also providing a general philosophy and approach that can be applied broadly to children both on and off the spectrum. Furthermore, while the focus of this book is for teachers in general classrooms, parents are also likely to find benefit from her approach.
— Megan Riddle, PsychCentral
More Reviews of Workshops/Sessions and Books
"Wow, wow, wow! I loved your webinar! We have just gone into COVID quarantine here in western Australia, and your suggestions are gold!"
Eileen Flanagan
Primary STEM Teacher of Indigenous Students, Fremantle, Australia
"Barbara was the morning speaker at our 8th annual Autism Education Conference. The audience connected immediately with her down-to-earth and personable style. Incorporating video, humor, and personal stories, Barbara shared her experience not only as an educator and author, but also as the parent of a young man on the spectrum. That is what made this an excellent presentation. She not only talks the talk; she walks the walk. The post-conference surveys came back with excellent ratings across the board—the highest rated conference we have ever had. Barbara's presentation was absolutely worthy of the standing ovation she received."
Kathryn Greene
The Light House Transitional Learning, Life, and Community Services, Groton, CT
"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!
"And her book has really helped me to understand my students. The quick-fix strategies have been perfect! I know now that it can be easy to make learning significantly more manageable for all. I love this book!"
Debbie Dermady
NYSRA/ILA State Coordinator, 1000 Islands School District, NY
"Barbara Borosonʼs book, Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom: How to Reach and Teach Students with ASD, is an engaging, thoughtful and valuable resource for instructors, parents, and administrators that enable them to reach, understand and help students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to succeed in school. Highly recommended for all instructors and families wishing to teach and better understand individuals with ASD.
Boroson's writing is clear and accessible. Her understanding, that sees each student as a unique human with his or her own strengths and weaknesses, patterns of action and reaction, potential and dreams, provides her book with multiple, detailed and realistic strategies that gives a deeper understanding of ASD and thereby makes it a valuable reference.
Barbara Borosonʼs Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom: How to Reach and Teach Students with ASD engages the reader with a well-thought out discussion of how unique individuals on the autistic spectrum differ in their abilities and how these differences may be incorporated in reaching them and teaching them. Her work is lucid and illuminates parts of my own life with students and friends with ASD. I highly recommend that her book be read cover to cover and kept as a reference on the bookshelf of anyone wishing to bring about Borosonʼs stated goal of developing inclusive classrooms where all students can learn and grow."
Matt Stoeckel
PsychCentral
"My group of special education and general education teachers is doing a book study on your book, Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom. I could not put this book down! It has helped us all understand that there are no limitations on students who are on the autism spectrum. Thank you!"
Monica Rainey
4th-grade inclusion teacher, Ripley, MI
"Barbara’s focus on strategies that motivate, engage, and increase achievement—along with her commitment and professionalism—made a terrific contribution to the success of our conference. We can’t wait to have her back next year!"
Michael Shaw, Ph.D.
Director, NCTE Reading Collaborative
"Whereas most books of this kind are too long, too dense, or too tedious, this is a remarkable exception. Recognizing that readers of this book are teachers who are at best busy, and perhaps even overwhelmed, Boroson is concise, crystal clear, clever, supportive, and even funny, while always thorough. The teacher who picks up this book will read it through and will surely find it a handy and enjoyable resource to return to whenever new issues arise."
Paul Farrell, Psy.D.
School Psychologist, NY
"One of my new go-to books, when I need confirmation that I’m on the right track—or advice when I’m completely lost—is Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom: How to Reach and Teach Students with ASD (Scholastic, 2nd Edition, 2016). Boroson's book covers it all (it’s very inclusive!), but I want to focus and share my takeaway from Chapter Two: The Power of Positivity. Boroson writes: 'The ability to look for and recognize progress in unusual places will go a long way toward helping you sustain yourself through your journey with students on the spectrum. … So as you work to adapt your program to address the needs of these students, you will also need to adapt your idea of progress (page 34).'
"Truer words have never been written about working with not just kids on the spectrum, but all kids. I know each teacher works towards those top-down expectations from the state, the district, and the administration, but it is so important to keep our students at the forefront of our work. Then we feel success with even the tiniest hint of progress that our students make.
"Check out this great resource, no matter where you are on your journey with students on the spectrum."
Brian Smith, 2017 Teacher-of-the-Year
Alexander County, North Carolina
"I just finished reading your book as part of a reading group on autism. It is a sign of both its usefulness and how well written it is to say that it… is a book I will keep close at hand. Thank you. We ‘regular’ teachers are getting more kids on the spectrum than we used to, and teachers need understanding, practical answers, and strategies like these. This is a terrific book."
Glenn Roark, teacher
teacher, Hohenfels Middle/High School, Hohenfels, Germany
"I am the mother of a high functioning autistic son. I am always trying to help [his teachers] help him. I have now recommended this book to the school for every teacher to own! This book IS AWESOME! I also put a ‘book report’ on Facebook recommending it to all parents and teachers of autistic children anywhere on the spectrum. Thank you for helping with kids everywhere on the spectrum! You are wonderful!"
Debra Frantz
parent
"The style of writing draws the reader in; this book provides a profound understanding of the complexity of ASD… while still celebrating the beauty and strength of the individual child (something every educator must remember!)."
Cathy Schaeffer
Special Education/Early Childhood Education
"I am the autism consultant for the US Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Europe. We support the American schools on military bases. Your book is the academic selection for our professional learning teams across Europe. I like the way you write in a fun way but with great information—our teachers love it. We had hundreds of teachers participate from Bahrain, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and your book was very well received!
We’ve learned many strategies that will provide quick fixes in our classroom settings. Our teachers also love the way the book speaks honestly to them, reminds them to see the strengths in the students they work with, gives them strategies to try, and offers encouragement.
My counterparts who support DoD schools in Asia are planning to use your book as their academic selection as well—in Guam, Japan, Korea, and Okinawa. We are using your book around the world. Well done and thank you!"
LeAndra Smith, Special Education Teacher, OSD/DoDEA
Europe/PacificSW
"I am so appreciative of this book. I love the way it is set up and I cannot think of anything better the author could do. Yes, it is that good! :-)"
Steven Swiger, general education teacher
DoDEA-Europe
“Barbara is a skillful and captivating speaker. She brilliantly bridged an audience of providers and parents through her delightful presentation style, her knowledge, and high quality of content regarding ASD. Her genuine and enthusiastic approach seemed to effortlessly join parents and providers in the room to gain meaningful and heartfelt insights about the challenges both parties experience in caring for children with ASD. Barbara has a wealth of experience to share with her audience. She is a wonderful and engaging speaker.”
Julie Piepenbring
Executive VP/CCO, Adelbrook Behavioral & Developmental Services
“Having been a special educator and then having her own child with special needs, Barbara has profound insight into how school affects home and home affects school. She helps teachers and parents understand what life is like for the special needs child during the 'other' part of the day and reminds them how vitally important it is for teachers and parents to coordinate their efforts. When Barbara spoke to my graduate students in psychology, it was as memorable a class as they ever had.”
Paul Farrell, Psy.D.
School Psychologist, NY
“My speech/language pathology graduate students were absolutely spellbound by Barbara’s presentation. Her extensive knowledge, as well as her personal experience, allowed the students to gain a unique understanding of the special needs of children on the autism spectrum… and a more comprehensive idea of what they can do to help these children thrive.”
Vicki S. Ettenger
Adjunct Professor, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY
"Barbara’s keynote address and breakout sessions were exactly what our district needed. Her presentations provided down-to-earth strategies and profound insight into the challenges of working with students who have autism. Her personal reflections from the standpoint of a parent and an educator, mixing both humor and emotion throughout, sealed the deal on a perfect presentation. I highly recommend Barbara’s sessions to anyone who works with children.”
Tony Thurman, Ph.D., Superintendent
Cabot Public Schools, AR
"The stars aligned and I was put in the presence of Barbara Boroson. Because of her unique and compelling perspective on autism, my life as an educator was changed forever.”
Brian Evans, President, Board of Education
Cabot Public Schools, Cabot, AR
“My take-away was both specific and global. I learned lessons about creativity, compassion, and community that will serve me and my school well. [Barbara’s] presentation was authoritative and articulate, warm and wise; a wonderful learning experience with a true expert. It was most useful to me, and, I’m certain, to all who attended across the spectrum of educators. Thank you for bringing so much of yourself to the task.”
Mark Heller, Head of School, Academy at the Lakes, Tampa, FL
"Amazing class! I learned so much! All the information was presented in a way that we could readily understand and relate to. Can’t wait to attend any other workshops Barbara offers in the future!"
Anna Maria P., General Education Teacher, Houston, TX
"I loved the collaborative format of the course, supported by Barbara's expert input. I will be implementing many strategies I learned in this course. Barbara is a really wonderful presenter!”
Laura D'Amato, Reading Specialist
"A BIG THANK YOU! I am currently in a course that is utilizing your book, Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom 2nd edition. It is the best resource I have had in my 17 years as a teacher, in a special education cross categorical unit for the past 7 years. I am letting my colleagues and parents know how supported this book made me feel and how it helps with the overall understanding of ASD. And I let my administrators know how beneficial this would be for professional development. Wow! Thank you again."
Kathryn Reedy, Intervention Specialist K - 5, Ohio
"A dynamic speaker, Barbara's message combines her expertise on autism education and the sharp reality of parenting an autistic child. Educators and parents were equally enlightened and captivated during her presentation.”
Lynda L. Bedri, Board Member
The Light House, Groton, CT
"Barbara's talk was a wonderful closure to our literacy series this semester. She was an inspiration. After she left, the students were eager to further discuss the insights she shared and to renew their ideas about the role of educators as partners with families.”
Cecelia Davidson, Ph.D. CCC-SLP
Faculty, Bank Street College of Education, NY
"Thank you so much for the incredibly engaging and practical session you gave at ASCD. I found your insights/expertise to be so helpful to understanding how we as educators can truly support each and every learner so that everyone thrives. I am ordering your book. You ‘hooked’ me!”
Thom Ronk, Teaching & Learning Senior Manager
Teaching Tolerance
"It was wonderful brainstorming together and learning from the information and experience Barbara has collected from her different roles—as an educator, administrator, and parent. I really enjoyed the workshop!”
Krista Zucker, Special Education Teacher
"Fantastic presentation! I really loved learning both the professional strategies and about Barbara’s personal experience. I appreciated her emphasizing that partnerships between parents and teachers are crucial to ensuring that children with various needs are successfully integrated into the classroom.”
Joanne Romano, OCT, Special Education Teacher at Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board, Ontario, Canada
"A powerful presentation that honoured both educators and parents. Indispensible workshop for all teachers at any stage of their career.”
Betsy Reilly, Teacher Educator, Western University, London, Ontario
"Wow, wow, wow! I loved your webinar! We've just gone into Covid lockdown in Western Australia, and your suggestions are gold!”