Book Title:

EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE: LIFE SKILLS FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Authors

Dr. Sudheer Pothuraju
Special Education Teacher and Case Manager at Dexter Consolidated School District, NM, USA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36676/978-81-977801-8-9

Keywords:

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, AUTISM, LIFE SKILLS

Synopsis

In the current education sector, students with intellectual disabilities are included in the marginalized groups. Education is a powerful weapon to use against this kind of discrimination prevailing in our society. The students with intellectual disabilities are included in the category of special needs and they are admitted to the special schools. Students with special education needs can be defined as “those who, because of a disability, require special education and related services to achieve their fullest potential (Hasselbring & Williams, 2000). Students with intellectual disabilities to acquire new skills depends on effective teaching and functional utility skill preferences of teachers for them. When goals are determined for students with intellectual disabilities, they must be included skills and concepts which are most useful according to their needs (Basal & Batu, 2003).

In the current scenario, the goal of education is to enable students with intellectual disabilities to get suitable education.  Education  helps them to attain better opportunities to reach the upper level in society. A primary goal of special education is to increase the independence of students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, promote greater self-reliance, and increase self-management skills (Browder & Shapiro, 1985).

The support of teachers and parents are very essential for their overall development. The students with intellectual disabilities deserve a life similar to other students. Individuals with normal growth and development can expand their independent daily living skills automatically as they grow up. But this doesn‟t happen in students with intellectual disabilities. The students with intellectual disabilities depend on others for their independent daily living activities. Intellectual disability is a very serious condition than other disabilities.

List of Chapters:

Chapters

Author Biography

Dr. Sudheer Pothuraju, Special Education Teacher and Case Manager at Dexter Consolidated School District, NM, USA

Dr. Sudheer Pothuraju is an accomplished educator with over 12 years of verified experience in Special Education, certified and approved by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). He currently serves as a Special Education Teacher and Case Manager at Dexter Consolidated School District, Dexter, NM.

Dr. Pothuraju teaches a diverse group of students, including African American, Hispanic, and Migrant students, all from various backgrounds and with different disabilities. He excels at understanding their unique needs, preparing individualized education plans (IEPs), and providing necessary accommodations and modifications to ensure they succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

In addition to his primary role, Dr. Pothuraju has extensive experience working in Title-I schools and teaching Middle and High School students. He also dedicates after-school hours to tutoring students in mathematics and providing extra content knowledge support to those with low comprehension levels or who seek more learning opportunities. His dedication goes beyond the classroom, as he strives to help students overcome learning challenges and achieve their full potential.

Dr. Pothuraju holds a Doctorate in Special Education and has dedicated his career to enhancing the learning experiences of students with diverse needs, including those with Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). He is also an IEP Specialist and Case Manager, ensuring that individualized education plans (IEPs) are tailored to meet each student's unique needs and abilities.

Teaching Licenses:

  • New Mexico: Dr. Pothuraju holds a LEVEL THREE-A INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER PRE K-12 SPECIAL EDUCATION license, issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department. He is also a certified Alternative Test Administrator (DLM) for Life Skills students in the district.
  • Texas: Additionally, he holds a Texas Educator Certificate, authorized by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification, allowing him to teach Special Education (Grades EC-12), Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (Grades 7-12).

As a member of the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), based in Washington, D.C., Dr. Pothuraju continues to contribute to the advancement of best practices in Special Education. His involvement in professional organizations reflects his commitment to ongoing professional growth and leadership in the field.

Publications: Dr. Pothuraju is the author of the book "The Spectrum of Learning: Tailored Strategies for Autism and Beyond," published internationally with ISBN-13: 978-81-977801-7-2. This work focuses on practical strategies for educators and parents to enhance social, communication, and learning outcomes for students with Autism and other learning challenges.

Dr. Pothuraju has actively participated in professional development programs, including workshops on Autism, behavioral interventions, and inclusive education. Notably, Dr. Sudheer Pothuraju is actively pursuing National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). He has submitted all four key components-Content Knowledge, Differentiation in Instruction, Teaching Practice and Learning Environment, and Effective and Reflective Practitioner demonstrating his commitment to adapting instruction, collaborating with families, fostering inclusive classrooms, and continuously assessing student progress to ensure the success of students with special needs.

In addition to classroom teaching, Dr. Pothuraju has contributed to advancing the field of Special Education through leadership roles, acting as a department lead for CCPS, GA, and receiving several awards and grants for their work in STEM education and inclusion programs. As a reviewer for the International Journal of Special Education, Dr Pothuraju continues to shape the discourse around best practices in the education of students with disabilities.

With a passion for empowering both educators and students, Dr. Pothuraju's research and publications focus on the practical application of interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), differentiated instruction, and evidence-based strategies that promote the academic and social development of students with special needs.

Through his teaching, leadership, and research, Dr. Pothuraju is a strong advocate for inclusive education and continues to impact the lives of students with special needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive both academically and socially.

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Dr. Sudheer Pothuraju (Ed.). (2024). Behavioural Interventions for ADHD: Classroom Management Strategies That Work. Shodh Sagar International Publications. https://doi.org/10.36676/978-81-977801-2-7

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Dr. Sudheer Pothuraju (Ed.). (2024). EMPOWERING INDEPENDENCE: LIFE SKILLS FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES. Shodh Sagar International Publications. https://doi.org/10.36676/978-81-977801-8-9