Quality Literacy Instruction for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Pamela Williamson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of special education at the University of Cincinnati. She received both her doctorate of philosophy and her master’s degree from the University of Florida. Her work in K-12 settings was in inclusive classrooms where she served a diverse group of students, including individuals with autism. Currently, she works with pre-service teachers, preparing them to deliver high-quality literacy instruction to all students with special needs. In addition, she works with in-service teachers to prepare them to assume roles as formal and informal teacher leaders. Her research interests include reading and autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, teacher leadership, and inclusion. Her work is published in Exceptional Children, Qualitative Heath Research, Social Science and Medicine, Journal of Child and Family Studies, Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, Field Methods, Beyond Behavior, and Childhood Education.Christina Carnahan, Ed.D., is an assistant professor of special education at the University of Cincinnati, where she coordinates the special education master’s degree program. She received her doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Carnahan began working in recreational settings with individuals with significant disabilities as a teen. After completing her undergraduate degree in special education, she taught in K-12 settings where she served individuals across the autism spectrum. Currently, she works with pre-service and practicing teachers, preparing them to meet the diverse needs of individuals with autism and other complex disabilities. She also conducts research in special education, focusing on literacy, evidence-based practice, and teacher effectiveness.In addition to her teaching and research, she is involved with local and state organizations working to improve educational services for individuals with ASD. She speaks and publishes locally and nationally, including on such topics as literacy and educational programming for individuals with ASD.