AUTISM AND TRANSITION: ISAAC OSAE-BROWN

From my first day in a school for individuals living with autism, I have been very aware that there are young adults and adults on the autism spectrum, but somehow I have been more focused on early intervention. Even though I had worked with teenagers with autism, the future for Nigerian adults on the spectrum had never bothered me. Until I met a 21 year old on the autism spectrum, and that changed my focus. This year, I have been reading a lot on transition and interacting with people in the community on transition. I cannot help but ask what the future holds for the children I am working with right now; what can we do to help people living with autism who are already adults?       
                           

Throughout this week, I will be sharing Mr. Isaac Osae-Brown’s papers on Autism and Transition from School to the Workplace.

                                  

Isaac Osae-Brown is very passionate about helping individuals with special needs become successful in education and in life generally. He earned his Masters degree in Special Education with an emphasis on Moderate/Severe at the California State University, Dominguez - Hills. He also received his level II Education Specialist Clear Credential (Moderate/Severe disabilities) and Administrative Service Credential from the same California State University to manage public schools and provide instruction to all students with multiple disabilities including Autism. Isaac has taught in urban Special education classrooms for over eight years, given professional development sessions in the United States. Additionally, he has been a consultant for the UNDP in Lagos where he supervised all graphic design, publishing and communication projects to develop the cognitive skills of children.

                                                             

Parents collaboration

Isaac also holds a Masters in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan and a bachelor of Fine Arts (Graphic Design) from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He has produced several research papers in administrative leadership and special education and has attended national workshops in the United States on Special Education law, Autism, Assistive technology and Positive Behavior Intervention. Isaac is certified by the U.S. Board of Education and is authorized to provide instructional services to all students with disabilities and to lead in public school administration. He is currently a member of the National Education Association (NEA), California Teachers Association (CTA), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and School Leadership Program (SLP) in the United States. Currently, Isaac works with the Los Angeles public school system in Compton, California.

Isaac travels around the United States and other countries speaking to parents and professionals on how to help their children with special needs become more successful. He is a passionate public speaker, and he believes that with motivation and the right tools, individuals with special needs can do well academically and generally in life.

                                  

Motivating students with autism at the Very Special Arts festival in Los Angeles.

This week, Isaac will share his thoughts with us on building independent adults with autism, integrating our young adults and adults into the society, helping them transit to and function well in the workplace. You need to come back tomorrow to read what he has to say.