Author Archives: all about autism

In my previous blog, Not-So-Lazy Days of Summer at BNI, I wrote about the many summer programs that the Barber National Institute offers, including Extended School Year (ESY). ESY is provided to assure that children ages 5-21 do not lose … Continue reading →

On Monday, we will celebrate a second independence day in July, one less known than the 4th. On July 26th, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination … Continue reading →

I have written many blogs this past year on the health and safety requirements for our students. Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their mask guidance for schools. In this update, they stated that: Vaccinated … Continue reading →

Governor Tom Wolfe signed Act 66 of 2021 into law on June 30, 2021. Act 66 allows students in Special Education who were enrolled during the 20-21 school year and have “aged-out” of school (by either turning 21 during the 20-21 … Continue reading →

Each month, I provide updates on some of the latest research I have found relevant to us. Read on! Brain structures grow differently in boys, men with autism From childhood to adulthood, there is a notable difference in brain development … Continue reading →

The Barber National Institute has been offering the Pre-K Counts program for fourteen years in Erie and Corry. The program is designed for children three to five years of age who may be considered “at-risk” because of the family’s economic, language, … Continue reading →

Some people think of the lazy days of summer, but at the Barber National Institute, we’re actually busier than ever! Over the years, we have initiated a number of programs to ensure that children have both educational and recreational opportunities … Continue reading →

Today is graduation.  Traditionally, we have a large graduation class and of course, an audience.  This year, we have twenty-seven children graduating from Happy Hearts and Early Intervention, twelve from Pre-K Counts, and thirteen from High School. Last year, we … Continue reading →

As the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, I began thinking… When the year started, some children were remote, while others were hybrid, attending two or three days a week.  The students and staff remained in their “pods,” or … Continue reading →

I asked Maria Brown, M.S., BCBA, who is a Behavior Analyst at BNI to write this guest blog for Mental Health Awareness Month. I thought she would have invaluable input! -Maureen The Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National … Continue reading →