Autism Spectrum Department of Special Education

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Pamela Wolfberg, Ph.D., ProfessorHead Shot

Office: Burk Hall 273
E-mail: wolfberg@sfsu.edu

Phone: 415-338-7651
Web: www.sfsu.edu/~autism &

www.wolfberg.com

Office hours: click here for appointment scheduling

 

Educational Background

Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley-SFSU (1994)

M.A., San Fancisco State Unversity (1988)

National Diploma, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität,, München with Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany (1983)

B.A., Kent State University (1979)


Dr. Wolfberg is professor in the Department of Special Education where she coordinates the Autism Spectrum Graduate Certificate (University-wide) and serves as faculty advisor for the Mild to Moderate Support Needs Program (within the Department) and the Joint Doctoral program in Special Education with the University of California, Berkeley-SFSU. Her teaching responsibilities include graduate seminars focused on autism theory, research and practice, atypical child development and special topics pertaining to contemporary issues in the field. She also teaches a new undergraduate course featuring autism in the humanities and the arts.

Research Interests

Dr. Wolfberg's primary research interests center on the unique experiences of people on the autism spectrum in the areas of socialization, play and imagination, and inclusion in peer culture. As originator of the Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model and a human rights advocate, she co-founded the Autism Collective for Peer Socialization, Play and Imagination. She has an active international agenda leading research, training and global outreach efforts to advance social inclusion in play and cultural experiences that allow for meaningful interaction and creative expression. She has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and is the author/co-author of numerous books and chapters. She is the recipient of several eminent awards for her scholarship and service to the community.

 

Selected Grants

Project ALLIES – Autism Language and Learning in Inclusive Educational Settings: Interdisciplinary Preparation of Highly Qualified Speech-Language Pathologists and Special Educators to Support Diverse Students on the Autism Spectrum with Significant Social-Communication Needs; Personnel Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention and Related Services (CFDA 84.325K) U.S. Department of Education (OSERS) Co-PI with Dr. Betty Yu; Funded $1,25.000

 

Project Common Ground: Preparing Highly Qualified Speech-Language Pathologists to Meet the Communication Needs of Children [on the] Autism [Spectrum] in Diverse Settings (2011 - 2016) Personnel Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention and Related Services, US Department of Education, OSERS (# H325K110326) - Co-director with Dr. Betty Yu; Funded $1,239,731

 

Integrated Play Groups: Promoting Symbolic Play, Social Engagement and Communication with Peers Across Settings in Children [on the] Autism [Spectrum] (2008-2013) Autism Speaks Treatment Award -Clinical ResearchProject Mosaic: Preparing Highly Qualified Educators to Meet the Unique Needs of Learners on the Autism Spectrum in Diverse Settings. Personnel Preparation in Special Education, US Department of Education, OSERS (#H325K060211) - PI

 

Integrated Play and Drama Groups for Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum (2009-2012) Transcooperative Research, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation with the Flora Family and Mendelson Family Foundations - Co-PI with Dr. Henri Julius, University of Rostock, Germany

 

Project Mosaic: Preparing Highly Qualified Educators to Meet the Unique Needs of Learners [on the] Autism [Spectrum] in Diverse Settings (2006 - 2011) Personnel Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention and Related Services, US Department of Education, OSERS (#H325K060211) - PI

 

Selected Publications

Balasubramian, L., Blum, A., & Wolfberg, P., (in press) Building on Early Foundations into School: Fostering Socialization in Meaningful Socio-Cultural Contexts, In R. Jordan, L. Robert, J., & K. Hume (Eds) Autism and Education: International Handbook, London, U.K., Sage Publications.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (1999) Lernen von Spiel und Beziehungen zu Gleichaltrigen: Integrierte Spielgruppen (Learning to play and socialize with peers: Integrated Play Groups) in V. Bernard-Optiz (book series) Autismus konkret: Lern- und Therapiemethoden in der Praxis (Autism Concrete: Learning and Therapy), Stuttgart, Germany: Kohlhammer

 

Bottema-Beutel, K, Turiel, E., DeWitt, M., & Wolfberg, P., (2017) To include or not to include: Evaluations and reasoning about the failure to include peers with Autism Spectrum Disorder in elementary students, Autism: International Journal of Research and Practice doi:10.1177/1362361315622412

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2016a) Integrated Play Groups for children on the autism spectrum. In C.E. Schaefer & H. Kaduson (Eds.) Short-term play therapy for children (Third Edition) Guilford Publishers

 

Wolfberg, P.J., (2016b) Integrated Play Groups: Supporting children with autism in essential play experiences with typical peers. In L. Reddy, C. Schaefer, & L. File-Hall (Eds), Empirically-based play interventions for children (Second Edition) American Psychological Association.

 

Wolfberg, P., DeWitt, M., Young, G.S., & Nguyen, T. (2015) Integrated Play Groups: Promoting symbolic play and social engagement with typical peers in children with ASD across settings. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 45 (3), 830-845.(DOI) 10.1007/s10803-014-2245-0

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2015). Play's role and meaning in the lives of children with autism. In D. Fromberg & D. Bergin (Eds) Play from birth to twelve: Contexts, perspectives, and meanings (Third Edition). New York: Routledge.

 

Dunn Buron, K. & Wolfberg, P.J. (Eds.). (2014) Learners on the autism spectrum: Preparing highly qualified educators and related practitioners (2nd edition). Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.(recipient of 2009 Literary Award, Autism Society of America)

 

Wolfberg, P.J. & Buron, K. (2014) Perspectives on evidence based practice and autism spectrum disorder: Tenets of competent, humanistic and meaningful support. In K.D. Buron & P.J. Wolfberg, (Eds.).Learners on the autism spectrum: Preparing highly qualified educators (second edition). Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC.


Wolfberg, P.J., McCracken, H. & Tuchel, T. (2014) Fostering play, imagination and friendships with peers: Creating a culture of social inclusion (p. 174 – 201). In K.D. Buron & P.J. Wolfberg, (Eds.). Learners on the autism spectrum: Preparing highly qualified educators and related practitioners (2nd edition). Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC.

 

Wolfberg, P., (2013) Integrated Play Groups Model: How Parents Can Support their Children in Play Experiences With Peers, Autism Bay Area Magazine (Jan-Feb)

Wolfberg, P.J., Bottema-Beutel, K. & DeWitt, M.,. (2012) Including children with autism in social and imaginary play with typical peers: Integrated Play Groups Model, American Journal of Play. Vol 5, 1, Fall click here for article

Wolfberg , P.J. (2011) Sensory playground structures designed for children with autism: Creating equal access to inclusive play for All children. Autism Spectrum Quarterly.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2011). Die Bedeutung des Spiels fuer Peer-Beziehungen und soziale Inklusion in paedagogischen Einrichtungen fuer Klein- und Vorschulkinder (In B. Ytterhus & M. Kreuzer (Eds.) „Dabei sein ist nicht alles“ – Soziale Inklusion und Marginalisie-rung in integrativen Gruppen des Kindergartens – Eine Anthologie, International Buchprojeket, Universität Trondheim mit Hochschule Niederrhein. (English translation: The meaning of play for peer relations and social inclusion in pedagogical settings for young children: Being nearby isn’t everything – Social inclusion and marginalization in integrated groups within early childhood settings  – An Anthology)

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2011-2012) Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model. In Lyons & Freilch (Eds.) Cutting-edge therapies for autism. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing Company.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2010). Peer play and the autism spectrum: The art of guiding children’s socialization and imagination (Integrated Play Groups Field Manual) Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company. (Chinese Translation from 2003 edition)

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2010). Play! A portal to new worlds. Inclusive play-The Outside Scoop, 2, 5 – 10. 

 

Neufeld, D. & Wolfberg, P.J. (2009). From novice to expert: Guiding children on the autism spectrum in Integrated Play Groups. In Schaefer, C. (Ed.) Play therapy for preschool children. Washington, D.C: American Psychological Association.

 

Wolfberg, P. J. (2009). Play and imagination in children with autism (Second edition) Teachers College Press, Columbia: New York.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2009) ¡A jugar! Incluyendo a los niños dentro del Espectro Autista en la cultura del juego con sus pares (English translation: Play! Including children on the autism spectrum in the culture of childhood), Paso a Paso, 07 Vol. 17.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2008) Including children with autism in the culture of play with peers. In C. Forlin & J M-G Lion (Eds). Reforms, Inclusion and Teacher Education: Towards a New Era of Special Education in Asia-Pacific Regions. Hong Kong University.

 

Bottema, K., & Wolfberg, P. (2007). Peer play and the exceptional child. Exceptional Family, 3. 15-17.


Wolfberg, P.J. & Schuler, A.L. (2006). Promoting social reciprocity and symbolic representation in children with ASD: Designing quality peer play interventions (p. 180 – 219). In T. Charman & W. Stone (Eds.). Early social communication in Autism Spectrum Disorders. NY: Guilford.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2005). Play! It’s more than just a button on the remote: Including children on the autism spectrum in the culture of childhood. Autism Spectrum Quarterly. 2, 8-12.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2004). Guiding children on the autism spectrum in peer play: Translating theory and research into effective and meaningful practice. The Journal of Developmental and Learning Disorders. 8, 7-25.

 

Boucher, J. & Wolfberg, P.J. (Eds.) (2003) Editorial. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 7 (4) 339 – 346.

 

Yang, T., Wolfberg, P.J., Wu, S, Hwu, P. (2003) Supporting children on the autism spectrum in peer play at home and school: Piloting the Integrated Play Groups model in Taiwan. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 7 (4) 437-453.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2003). Integrierte-spielgruppen: Förderung kommunikation und sozialen fähigkeiten bei autistichen Kindern. Forum Logopaedie.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (2000) Making make-believe: Enhancing communication and social skills through Integrated Play Groups. Autism - Asperger's Digest, 3, 12-17.

 

Schuler, A.L. & Wolfberg, P.J. (2000). Promoting peer socialization and play: The art of scaffolding. In B. Prizant & A. Wetherby (Eds.) Language issues in autism and PDD: A transactional developmental perspective. (p. 225-227) Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. & Schuler, A.L.  (1999). Fostering peer interaction, imaginative play and spontaneous language in children with autism, Child Language Teaching and Therapy Journal. 15 (1), 41-52.

 

Wolfberg, P.J., Zercher, C., Lieber, J., Capell, K., Matias, S. G., Hanson, M., & Odom, S. (1999). "Can I play with you?" Peer culture in inclusive preschool programs. Journal for the Association of Persons with Severe Handicaps. 24, (2), 69-84.

 

Wolfberg, P.J. (1995) Supporting children with autism in play groups with typical peers: A description of a model and related research. International Play Journal, 3, 38-51.

 

Wolfberg, P. J, & Schuler, A.L. (1993) Integrated Play Groups: A model for promoting the social and cognitive dimensions of play in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 23, (3), 467-489.

 

Selected Media Reports

SF State News Student explores how pets help people with autism (features Pre-doctoral Scholar Gesean Lewis Woods)By Lisa Owens Viani  ( August 17, 2018) https://news.sfsu.edu/news-story/student-explores-how-pets-help-people-autism

 

DELO – National Slovenian News - on Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model Training in Lubjilana - Seveda si želijo družbe vrstnikov, a tega ne znajo pokazatiKo opazujete otroke z motnjo avtističnega spektra, vidite, da jim je druženje velik izziv. Pamela Wolfberg preučuje, kako ga premagati. By Maja Čakarić  (June 3, 2018)

www.delo.si/nedelo/bi-se-igrali-z-lutkami-bi-se-igrali-z-lutkami-bi-se-igrali-z-lutkami-55785.html

 

Posebna Kolumna – Slovenian Magazine - on Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model training and research collaboration with Slovenian Doctoral Candidate Tina Rehberger and Special Educator Nina Korosec -  Intagrirane Igranlne Skupin Za Atroke Z Avtizmom by Suzana Golubov (July 15, 2018)

 

SF State Magazine Language Barriers or Boosters? Autism Spectrum Disorders researchers take aim at a multilingualism myth by Steve Hockensmith (Fall 2016 Issue)


New Strait Times, Focus on Ability, not Disability by Zulita Mustafa (June 6, 2016) http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/03/150095/focus-ability-not-disability

 

SF State in the News, Pamela Wolfberg spoke about inclusive education for children with autism at this year's PERMATA International Conference. New Straits Times Online (June 6, 2016)

 

News at Permata International Conference 2016, An Integrated, Holistic Meeting – Rosmah; Bernama (April 21, 2016)
 http://www.programpermata.my/en/negara/news/2016/permata-international-conference-2016-an-integrated-holistic-meeting-rosmah/

 

MalaysiaKini 1,500 peserta hadiri sidang PERMATA (May 31, 2016) https://www.malaysiakini.com/advertorial/343196

 

TheAutismSite.com (June 7, 2016)
 Integrated Play Groups Could Improve Social Interactions In Children With Autism
E-bility.com Integrated Play Groups in Kenya - Integration through playing by Meru North Disability Community Centre staff (March 28, 2015)
 http://www.e-bility.com/articles/integrated-play.php


Variety - The Children’s Charity’s makes peer play and friendship possible for children with autism in New Westminster, Vancouver, BC (September 15, 2015)


SF State Media Project Common Ground video produced by Academic Technology (May 27, 2015)


NewWestMinsterRecord) New play center for children with autism opening in New West Minster, Vancouver, B.C. (May 23, 2015)


Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society, Press Release Local charity inundated -2nd Play Centre Site Opens in New Westminster BC for Children with Autism and Their Peer s(May 19, 2015)

 

Autism Show Podcast (December 9, 2014) 16: Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, Social Inclusion for Kids on the Autism Spectrum - Catherine Pascua http://autismshow.org/pamela/

SFSU News (October 27, 2014) 'Integrated Play Groups' help children with autism --Jonathan Morales http://news.sfsu.edu/integrated-play-groups-help-children-autism

See news feeds to this story below:


Ateno de Manila University News, Philippines (May 25, 2013) Play" Plays an Important Role in Growth and Development of Kids with Autism-- Paeng Evangelista- http://www.admu.edu.ph/news/ls-research-updates/play%E2%80%9D-plays-important-role-growth-and-development-kids-autism

 

San Jose Mercury News (May 14, 2013) The Rotary Club of San Jose is building a 4.1-acre play area that will be accessible to all, regardless of age or abilities--Dale Bryant

http://www.mercurynews.com/san-jose-neighborhoods/ci_22794671/rotary-club-san-jose-is-building-4-1

 

La Nacion Aldea Global, Costa Rica (May 5, 2013) Niños con autismo pueden mejorar comunicación, dice Pamela Wolfberg, experta en el tema - Irene Rodriquez - http://www.nacion.com/vivir/bienestar/Ninos-mejorar-comunicacion-Pamela-Wolfberg_0_1339266168.html


Autismo ASPAU Perú - La Asociación de Padres y Amigos de Personas con Autismo del Perú (May 3, 2013), Niños con autismo pueden mejorar comunicación, dice Pamela Wolfberg, experta en el tema- https://www.facebook.com/AUTISMO.ASPAU.PERU/posts/518527688206801