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

“Fantastic presentation! I especially appreciated Barbara's emphasis on partnerships between parents and teachers as crucial to ensuring that children with various needs are successfully integrated into the classroom.” 

Joanne Romano, OCT, Special Education Teacher with 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

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

“Fantastic presentation! I especially appreciated Barbara's emphasis on partnerships between parents and teachers as crucial to ensuring that children with various needs are successfully integrated into the classroom.” 

Joanne Romano, OCT, Special Education Teacher with 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

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!

Get yours now!

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.’

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“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