Stages Connect
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
ContributorAngela Nelson is the creator of the widely-recognized Language Builder Picture Card Series, and the creator and lead author for the Language Builder ARIS curriculum. Angela received her BA and JD from UCLA where she studied and practiced behavior psychology under Dr. Ivar Lovaas, and her Ed.M. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, with a focus on technology innovation and education. As Founder and CEO of Stages Learning Materials, Angela has created autism, special needs and early childhood curriculum products since 1997. In addition to her duties at Stages, Angela writes for multiple industry publications and is Chair of the Education Market Association.
Articles by Angela
ARIS & Curriculum A Year of Building What Lasts
As this year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to build something that lasts—not just something that launches well, but something strong enough to support educators every day, without adding to their workload.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Dec 17, 2025 · 3 min read
Behavior & Sensory Building Fall Transition Routines: Task Analysis Strategies for Behavior Therapists
Why Fall Transitions Matter
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Jul 25, 2025 · 4 min read
Classroom Strategies Harvard on Why Family Engagement Lowers Litigation Costs
Why Investing in Family Engagement Can Reduce Special Education Litigation Costs District leaders and special education directors know all too well the financial and emotional toll of special education litigation. Due process complaints, mediation, and legal challenges aren’t ju
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Jul 23, 2025 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies From Strained Systems to Sustainable Solutions: Strengthening Special Education in Your District
Special education programs are under increasing pressure. From rising student needs to inconsistent service delivery and stretched budgets, district leaders face difficult choices. Yet within these challenges lies an opportunity: to shift from reactive problem-solving to proacti
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 16, 2025 · 4 min read
Classroom Strategies 5 Differentiated End-of-Year Activities to Keep Special Education Students Engaged
Adaptable for Multiple Developmental Levels & Learning Styles As the school year comes to a close, maintaining engagement in special education classrooms requires thoughtful planning. Students may be at varying developmental stages, with different learning profiles and support n
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 16, 2025 · 6 min read
Classroom Strategies Ensuring Effective IDEA Mandated Extended School Year (ESY) Programs: Strategies to Prevent Skill Regression in Your District
Extended School Year (ESY) services are essential in supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they maintain their educational achievements during breaks in the standard academic calendar. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ESY services aim
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 21, 2025 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Empowering Educators: The Crucial Role of People in Enhancing Special Education Programs
The success of special education students relies heavily on the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of the professionals who support them. From teachers and paraprofessionals to therapists and administrators, the people involved in delivering special education services play
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Classroom Strategies Streamlining Special Education Programs: The Importance of Effective Procedures
In the intricate tapestry of special education, procedures serve as the threads that weave together the various components of a program, ensuring a seamless and effective delivery of services. These procedures, which encompass everything from IEP development and compliance to da
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 19, 2024 · 7 min read
Classroom Strategies Transforming Learning Spaces: Enhancing Special Education Environments for Student Success
The physical environment in which learning takes place can have a profound impact on the success and well-being of students with disabilities. From the layout and accessibility of classrooms to the incorporation of sensory-friendly elements and assistive technologies, the design
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 19, 2024 · 5 min read
Transforming Special Education Through Effective Practices: Insights from the 5P Framework
At the heart of every successful special education program lies a set of practices that are both effective and compassionate. These practices, which encompass everything from instructional strategies and behavioral interventions to progress monitoring and collaborative planning,
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Maximizing Student Success: The Critical Role of the Products & Teaching Tools Used in Special Education
When it comes to supporting students with disabilities in special education programs, the importance of using the right products and teaching tools cannot be overstated. From curriculum materials and assistive technologies to adaptive equipment and sensory aids, the resources ed
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Classroom Strategies How to Conduct a Comprehensive Special Education Program Evaluation: The 5P Framework
Are you a special education director or curriculum coordinator looking for a comprehensive approach to evaluate and improve your special education program? Do you want to ensure that your services are effectively meeting the diverse needs of your students with disabilities? A cl
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 19, 2024 · 7 min read
Social & Emotional Development of 4-Year-Olds
Observing the social and emotional growth of 4-year-olds reveals a fascinating stage of development, where interactions, feelings, and self-perception evolve into more complex forms. This critical phase is marked by significant milestones that underscore a child's burgeoning emp
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 4 min read
Physical Development in 4-Year-Olds
Watching early childhood development unfold is nothing short of miraculous, with each year bringing new surprises and achievements. Among these, the developmental strides made at the age of four are particularly fascinating. This period is a pivotal chapter in a child's physical
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 5 min read
Language & Communication Cognitive Milestones in 4-Year-Olds
Watching early childhood development unfold is a captivating experience, each year brimming with new surprises and milestones. As children reach the age of four, their world becomes increasingly intricate, particularly in terms of cognitive development. This pivotal phase in a c
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 3 min read
Language & Communication in 4-Year-Olds: What to Expect
Watching the development of language and communication skills in 4-year-olds is both fascinating and critical for their growth. This age marks significant strides in their ability to express themselves and understand others, setting the foundation for future learning and social
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 31, 2024 · 4 min read
A Special Request: Help Us Support Refugee Families Who Have Children With Autism
These days, not a day goes by without a refugee crisis in the headlines. From the fall of the Afghan government to the war in Ukraine to the protracted conflict in Syria, the number of refugees is growing every day. Losing our homes, livelihoods, and communities all at once is u
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 4, 2022 · 3 min read
About Autism Pushing the Envelope: Autism Rates are Increasing
A Letter from the CEO: 1 in 44 Children are Now Being Diagnosed with Autism So Why is this Good News?
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Dec 4, 2021 · 3 min read
Pushing the Envelope: Making Up for Learning Loss Due to COVID-19 for Autistic Children
A Letter From the CEO Federal relief packages passed by Congress in 2021 provide school districts with billions of dollars in recovery funding to help schools support students during and after the pandemic. The funds target learning loss due to COVID-19 and can also be used to p
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
May 9, 2021 · 4 min read
Autism Resources Pushing the Envelope: What Does Authentic Leadership Look Like?
Letter from the CEO: Authentic Leadership Among my favorite books is Authentic Leadership by Bill George. The book opens with:
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Sep 21, 2020 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Pushing the Envelope: Girls and Autism?
A Letter from the CEO: Girls and Autism? We’ve wanted to do an article about girls and autism for some time now. There is so much to say: under-diagnosis, different presenting characteristics, treatment options… where to start?
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Aug 7, 2020 · 2 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Pushing the Envelope: Autistic Black Lives Matter
A Letter from the CEO: Autistic Black Lives Matter Our hearts go out to the family and friends of George Floyd and to the many other people of color who have been subjected to the insidious racism that continues to plague our country.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Jun 20, 2020 · 2 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Tips for Implementing Language Builder ARIS Emergency at-Home Lessons
I truly hope that the downloadable Language Builder ARIS lessons have been helpful as you endeavor to set up your child's at-home education program. In 2020, we made available 34 downloadable lessons from our Language Builder ARIS curriculum. We worked hard to include a variety
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 23, 2020 · 11 min read
Do-It-Yourself Materials for ABA-based Lessons
For the free lessons we provided in our ARIS Emergency Home Autism Education Program we have included a variety of photo cards that you can download, print and get started with, including: Nouns , Occupations , Emotions , Sequencing and Verbs . You can see that many lessons refe
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Mar 19, 2020 · 5 min read
Autism Resources Pushing the Envelope: Are Women CEO’s Different?
A Letter from the CEO: Are Women CEO’s Different? Well… the short answer is yes.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Nov 7, 2019 · 2 min read
Autism Resources Pushing the Envelope: Rebuilding Paradise
A Letter from the CEO: Rebuilding Paradise Growing up just outside of Paradise – Paradise, California that is – we always knew that wildfire season was a natural part of the landscape. But even with that knowledge, no one ever expected that the most devastating wildfire in Calif
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Jan 13, 2019 · 2 min read
ABA & Therapy Autism Magazines and Journals
Magazines The following are some of the leading magazines geared towards families, therapists, educators and researchers interested in staying on top of the news and scientific developments in the field of autism.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Feb 8, 2017 · 3 min read
About Autism Pushing the Envelope: Global Autism Awareness
Global Autism Awareness: Three Students Got Us Started In 2016, three Harvard Graduate School of Education students approached us about internships. They were interested in autism in their home countries: China and Pakistan. All three had personal connections to autistic individ
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 10, 2016 · 2 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Pushing the Envelope: The Importance of First-Person Autism Accounts
Autistic Adults: The Importance of First-Person Accounts Many parents of autistic children wonder what will happen when their children grow up – what will their adult lives be like? This is true of all parents, but likely more so for parents of autistic children. And just like n
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Jan 10, 2016 · 2 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Pushing the Envelope: Upended Plans Sometimes Work Best
A Letter from the CEO: A Leap of Faith It is such an honor to have an article about the launch of our new STAGES® Learning Language Builder App in the Harvard Graduate School of Education News !
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 30, 2014 · 2 min read
Language & Communication Part 4 of 4: Labeling and Requesting
Additional Activities to Develop Sentence Skills Labeling and Requesting are the most basic of all full sentence activities, and provide a basis for your student to understand that communication requires more than single word utterances. The following list of activities offers j
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 29, 2014 · 5 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Part 2 of 4: Building Vocabulary
Building Expressive Vocabulary This is the step where your child learns to actually say the words out loud. All of the tasks we just described in the previous Autism and Language article come into play when building your child’s expressive vocabulary. Picture cards are a useful
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 29, 2014 · 2 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Choosing Meaningful Gifts for People on the Autism Spectrum
These days nearly everyone knows a friend or family member who is touched by autism. Perhaps it’s your own child or your sister’s child. Perhaps it’s the child of your neighbor, your dentist, your mail carrier, or hair dresser. With the holidays fast approaching, you may be aski
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 29, 2014 · 2 min read
Language & Communication Part 1 of 4: Encouraging Emerging Language and Receptive Vocabulary
Emerging Language and Building Vocabulary Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal” language development in young children. If you have specific concerns about the pace of your child’s language development, you should definit
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 18, 2014 · 4 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Part 3 of 4: From Basic Vocabulary to Building Sentences
The most popular use of the Language Builder Picture Card Series is to build vocabulary. The realistic and current photos help students to learn the name of various nouns, occupations, and emotions. In the beginning, this task can be very repetitive and basic, focusing only on l
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 18, 2014 · 3 min read
Autism Resources Puzzles: Playing or Learning?
Puzzles are classic toys that come in many forms: jigsaw puzzles, peg puzzles, framed board puzzles, block puzzles, and more! When a child starts to put together puzzles they are learning about shapes and space.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 17, 2014 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies Importance of Categorization
Learning to categorize items is a basic task for young children. Close your eyes for a moment and picture a typical pre-school classroom: children are sorting little plastic bears, red bears in one tub, blue in another, and green in a third; another group of children arranges pi
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 17, 2014 · 2 min read
Behavior & Sensory Teaching Kids with Autism about Emotions
Parents and educators often struggle to help children with autism communicate their feelings. When children with autism have trouble recognizing and communicating how they feel, it may contribute to inappropriate behaviors such as tantruming and aggression, or even increased soc
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 17, 2014 · 2 min read
Autism Resources Eating Healthy at an Early Age
Our first experiences with food have a large effect on our eating habits for the rest of our lives, so the best time to teach good dietary habits is during the early years. Think about some of your best and worst food habits... don't you wish you had started better habits at age
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 16, 2014 · 3 min read
Classroom Strategies Community Helpers and Occupation Flash Cards for Autism
There are so many people our children need to interact with on a weekly basis – teachers, doctors, bus drivers, dentists, janitors, crossing guards, store clerks, mail carriers…. Meeting new people can be difficult for any child, but children with autism often have a particularl
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 16, 2014 · 2 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Basic Matching Activities
Why Matching Activities for Children with Autism? Note: These activities are excerpted from the Language Builder® ARIS Full Autism Curriculum developed by Stages Learning Materials. What does matching teach a child? How can this be a step toward developing language? Matching ski
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 7 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Using Picture Flashcards for Language Development for Autistic* Children
Flashcards with real photo images are an essential tool for children with autism to aid them in learning language skills. A common challenge for children and adults with autism is their ability to communicate. Therapists recommend Picture Flash Cards as one of the best tools to
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 3 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Using Games to Promote Peer Interaction
This resource was created as a supplement for the Language Builder: Academic Readiness Intervention System (ARIS) complete early autism curriculum, Lesson #74, Playing Games with a Peer and Lesson #126, Playing Games with Multiple Peers. Download a free copy of lesson 74 and les
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 2 min read
ARIS & Curriculum Lang-O-Learn Cards Labeled in 17 Different Languages
Stages Learning Materials produces 13 flash card sets that are labeled on the reverse in 17 common languages (English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Polish, Filipino, Portuguese, Greek, Thai, Ara
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 1 min read
About Autism Autism Technology
Over approximately the past 2 decades, with the rise in the prevalence of autism, an entire industry has grown up around treating and teaching children and adults with autism, as well as easing the challenges and improving the quality of day-to-day life for individuals on the au
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 16 min read
About Autism What is Autism?
Rise in Autism Diagnosis 20 years ago most people had never heard the term autism, much less met anyone who had a child with autism. Today the Center for Disease Control estimates that rates of autism are as high as 1 in 88 children, and 1 in 54 boys (Center for Disease Control,
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 15, 2014 · 2 min read
ABA & Therapy Language Milestones
How many professionals have been asked: “How do I know if my child is behind in language development?” How many parents have asked the question, or at l east w ondered to themselves? Language development varies from child to child, and there are wide ranges of expected “normal”
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 14, 2014 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies Why Real Photo Games in Early Childhood Education?
A growing trend in Early Childhood Education is the focus on using materials with real photo images rather than illustrations. Teaching ideologies such as Montessori have long understood the importance of focusing on fact rather than fiction in the materials used for teaching yo
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 14, 2014 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies Classroom Bingo
Classroom Bingo is a fun teaching tool for use at home or in the classroom. With Stages’ Picture Recognition Bingo kids won’t even know that they’re learning as they listen intently to match the beautiful photographs on their player’s card with the corresponding words spoken by
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 14, 2014 · 3 min read
Language & Communication Why Real Photos? What about Cartoons?
Iconicity refers to the degree of resemblance between a picture and the object that it depicts. A cartoon image, for example, would have a low degree of iconicity, while a photograph would have a higher degree of iconicity.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 14, 2014 · 1 min read
Language & Communication Not Just Why... How? - Get them Engaged!
Just using realistic pictures to interact with and teach children is not enough. The key is in the specific ways that you use the pictures to build vocabulary, communication, literacy and critical thinking skills. The following chapters will introduce many techniques and teachin
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 12, 2014 · 1 min read
Classroom Strategies Background on Teaching Children with Autism Language Using Pictures
When very young children first begin to learn language skills, they learn new words by hearing the spoken word tied to the actual object (Richards & Goldfarb, 1986). For example, if parents repeat the word car every time they take their child to the car, the child will quickly l
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
Apr 10, 2014 · 2 min read
Classroom Strategies Harvard Professor Discusses the Economics of Special Education
Economics is rarely the first discipline people associate with education. The field is more commonly framed through pedagogy, psychology, or policy. Yet some of the most durable insights into how education systems function have come from economic thinking.
Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.
4 min read