Stages Connect
Signe M. Kastberg
ContributorSigne is a Connect contributor writing on autism education and special-education practice.
Articles by Signe
About Autism The Persistence of Time: Managing Time on the Spectrum
Time on the Spectrum Think about time. Does every task take longer if you’re on the autism spectrum, or if you have a child on the spectrum? Does your family have special rules regarding...
Signe M. Kastberg
May 28, 2022 · 5 min read
About Autism How to Help Autistic* People Who May be Feeling Suicidal
Taking action when someone is suicidal is critical to saving a life. This article will identify warning signs and what you can do to help. Background Research shows that autistic persons are at...
Signe M. Kastberg
Sep 12, 2021 · 5 min read
About Autism Identity First: On Knowing Who You Are
What is the difference between “people-first” and “identity-first” language with regard to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? How do culture, identity, and statistics play a role in this question? How...
Signe M. Kastberg
Sep 4, 2021 · 12 min read
ABA & Therapy 10 Myths About Autism
What are some of the myths about autism, where do these myths come from, and how do they affect children, families, teachers, and therapists? By identifying the myths, we can challenge them...
Signe M. Kastberg
Aug 17, 2021 · 16 min read
About Autism Twice Exceptional: Untangling the Paradox of Giftedness and Autism
Parents and teachers may wonder if their student is on the Autism Spectrum, or is intellectually gifted, or both. “Twice Exceptional”, or “2e,” are the current descriptors for students who have both...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jul 31, 2021 · 9 min read
About Autism Autism and Substance Use Disorders: Is There a Connection?
A review of the research, risks and protective factors, components of addiction, and a preview of treatment options for autistic individuals who struggle with the disease of addiction 1 Recent...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jul 18, 2021 · 9 min read
ABA & Therapy Teletherapy and Teletraining- A Solution to the Shortage of Qualified ABA Therapists to Meet the Demands of a Growing ASD Population
Concern has been expressed regarding a shortage of qualified Applied Behavior Analysts and also about the quality of training available to such providers. Distance Learning, also called remote...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jun 25, 2021 · 8 min read
About Autism Under- and Over-diagnosis of ASD: Do Race and Social Class Matter?
Many research studies indicate that contextual factors play a role in who gets diagnosed, the type of diagnosis, who gets treatment, and the type of treatment provided. 1 Is it possible...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jun 13, 2021 · 6 min read
Language & Communication Are My Child's Speech Delays a Sign of Autism?
True or False: Speech Delays = Autism? Parents become understandably anxious when a child doesn’t meet age-expected speech development milestones. There is a delicate balance between total...
Signe M. Kastberg
May 30, 2021 · 5 min read
Classroom Strategies Falling Through the Cracks: Better Identification and Integrated Treatment for ELL Students with Autism or other Special Education Needs
Research indicates that ELL students who should be classified with disability status are being overlooked. The good news is that increasingly, educators are integrating ELL and special education...
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 28, 2021 · 6 min read
Life Skills & Transitions Is College Right for my Child with Autism?
How can a family best take advantage of available resources, and avoid obstacles, in order to plot a successful post-high-school experience for an autistic child? As Steven Covey wrote in The...
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 7, 2021 · 6 min read
About Autism Positive Identity Development in the Autistic* Child
What can parents, teachers, and therapists do to encourage a positive sense of self in children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)? What can we do to avoid the obstacles to healthy...
Signe M. Kastberg
Mar 7, 2021 · 6 min read
Family & Home Life My Autistic* Child is Thinking of Dating and--Gasp!--Sex?!!
Most parents are understandably anxious about the thought of their child eventually dating and becoming sexually active. That anxiety may be even greater for the parents of a child with...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 31, 2021 · 7 min read
About Autism Devil or Angel? The Process of Diagnosis for ASD Children
What is ‘diagnosis’ anyway? Why have a diagnosis? How do I know if my child’s diagnosis of autism is accurate? Could it be something else? Where do I go for answers? These are...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 10, 2021 · 4 min read
Emotions & Social Skills Six Strategies for Strengthening Your Marriage for Parents of ASD Children
My Marriage is Floundering. Help! Six Strategies for Strengthening Your Marriage for Parents of ASD Children* Often couples look towards parenthood with great joy and love. Shockingly,...
Signe M. Kastberg
Jan 10, 2021 · 5 min read