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~
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)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Inclusive Classroom: How to Reach and Teach Students with ASD (Scholastic, 2nd Ed. 2016, 1st Ed. 2011)
along with numerous articles.
She is a frequently requested speaker, presenting at international, state, and regional educational conferences, as well as at conferences, colleges, and graduate schools. She provides professional development and consultative services to school districts, educators, and parents, helping to facilitate inclusion.
Barbara 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.
View Barbara’s Résumé here
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)
published in Norton K–12 Talk, spring 2020
Click here to read Just Keep Swimming: Distance Learning for Students on the Autism Spectrum
"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, April 2015; Westchester Family Magazine, July 2011; Western New York Family Magazine, April 2010; Autism News of Orange County & the Rest of the World, Fall 2008
Children with disabilities 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
Barbara's Interview with Marvin Byrd
Barbara's interview on Mom Talk Radio
Hot, hot, hot off the presses!
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
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!”