Allison,
It was my autistic student that has been successful with the genius ladder. I posted about it under Genius Ladder, must share. It has been awesome. He is echolalic and will typically answer a question only when given a yes/no prompt. I didn't work with him last year, but his personal care aid said that she is amazed at his improvement. I don't know that I will get him writing this year, but if I can get him to continue participating, use eye contact, and answer questions, then I will feel like I made progress. I will keep you posted on the forum as to how he is doing.