Using the Systems Approach for Aphasia introduces therapists to systems theory, exploring the way in which a holistic method that is already a key part of other health and social care settings can be employed in aphasia therapy. Detailed case studies from the author's own extensive experience demonstrate how systemic tools can be incorporated into practice, offering practical suggestions for service delivery and caseload management in frequently overloaded community health services. Exploring the treatment process from first encounters, through the management of goals and attainments, to caring for patients after therapy has ended, the book demonstrates a method of delivering therapy in a way that will better serve the people who live with aphasia and their families, as well as the clinician themselves. Key features of this book include: * An accessible overview of systems theory and its use in aphasia therapy. * Consideration of how current popular ideas such as self-management, holistic rehabilitation and compassion focussed therapy can be incorporated to provide the best treatment. * Guidance on when and how to involve families based on case studies. * Case studies throughout to fully illustrate systemic approaches. An essential resource for both students and seasoned clinicians, the theory explored in this book will provide a fresh approach to therapy and new skills for working with people with aphasia and their families.

Identification and assessment of learning and behavioural disabilities have long been issues of great concern, and have become increasingly important in recent years. Identification and assessment issues determine how students are characterized as having disabilities, provide implications for treatment, and provide evidence for the success or failure of interventions. and assessment of learning and behavioural disabilities are discussed by leading scholars, in reviews of recent relevant research, policy analyses, and new investigations with original data. Included in the volume are discussions of issues regarding identification of learning disabilities; reviews of research on response to instruction (RTI) models; alternative models for identification of learning disabilities; assessment of abilities in individuals with mental retardation; the influence of IQ and reading level on treatment outcomes; assessment of self-regulation in post-secondary populations with and without learning problems; and test anxiety and academic achievement.

This timely and thought-provoking book addresses the sensitive issue of difficulties in literacy development. The authors begin by exploring different conceptualisations of literacy and their implications in terms of addressing the barriers to literacy acquisition. They then go on to discuss practical strategies and programmes to help reduce these barriers at school, family and community level. Throughout, the authors relate cognitive, psychological, and socio-cultural perspectives to current curriculum policies, controversies and ethical considerations.
This book enables practitioners to reflect critically upon the choices available to them in assessing and supporting students who experience difficulties in literacy development. It will be essential reading for students on initial teacher training courses, and teachers on CPD courses in the area of special needs, literacy and dyslexia.

This revised and updated third edition, previously titled The Effective Teacher's Guide to Dyslexia and Other Learning Difficulties (Learning Disabilities), unravels the complexity of specific learning difficulties in an accessible and user-friendly way. Each chapter provides key information about the disorder in question, giving a clear definition before discussing prevalence, causal factors, identification, and assessment and provision. Implications for the curriculum and related assessment, pedagogy, resources, therapy/care, and school and classroom organisation are explained, allowing providers to reflect and adapt their practice in response to the needs of the individual. The book informs effective provision, with the aim of encouraging the best achievement and personal and social development for children and young people. The book authoritatively and lucidly addresses issues associated with * impairment in reading/dyslexia, * impairment in written expression/dysgraphia, * impairment in mathematics/dyscalculia, and * developmental co-ordination disorder/dyspraxia. Recognising the importance and the challenge of multi-professional working, the book relates provision to the roles of parents and carers alongside that of the practitioner. Underpinned by research and widely held professional judgement, this will prove a practical, readable, and inspiring resource for professionals in the UK, US, and elsewhere including teachers, therapists, psychologists, and students entering these professions.

"Identification of Learning Disabilities: Research to Practice" is the remarkable product of a learning disabilities summit conference convened by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in August 2001 and the activities following that summit. Both the conference and this book were seen as important preludes to congressional reauthorization of the historic "Individuals With Disabilities Education Act" (IDEA) scheduled for 2002 and subsequent decision making surrounding implementation. The OSEP conference brought together people with different perspectives on LD (parents, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers) and resulted in this book, which examines the research on nine key issues concerning the identification of children with learning disabilities. Coverage includes alternative responses to treatment, classification approaches, processing deficit models, and approaches to decision making.
Chapter Structure-- Each of the first nine chapters is organized around a lengthy, issue-oriented paper, which presents the most current research on that topic. These primary papers are then followed by four respondent papers that reflect a variety of viewpoints on the topic.
Summarizing Chapter -- A small group of researchers (listed in the final chapter) dedicated an enormous amount of time to summarizing the research and developing key consensus statements regarding the identification of children with learning disabilities. Their work is sure to have a tremendous impact on future discussions in this area.
Expertise-- The following well-known scholars have helped summarize the vast amount of research presented in this book as well as the consensus statements derived therefrom: Lynne Cook, Don Deshler, Doug Fuchs, Jack M. Fletcher, Frank Gresham, Dan Hallahan, Joseph Jenkins, Kenneth Kavale, Barbara Keogh, Margo Mastopieri, Cecil Mercer, Dan Reschley, Rune Simeonsson, Joe Torgesen, Sharon Vaughn, and Barbara Wise.

Language Acquisition: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the must-know issues in child language development. Covering key topics drawn from contemporary psychology, linguistics and neuroscience, readers are introduced to fundamental concepts, methods, controversies, and discoveries. It follows the remarkable journey children take; from becoming sensitive to language before birth, to the time they string their first words together; from when they use language playfully, to when they tell stories, hold conversations, and share complex ideas. Using examples from 73 different languages, Ibbotson sets this development in a diverse cross-cultural context, as well as describing the universal psychological foundations that allow language to happen. This book, which includes further reading suggestions in each chapter and a glossary of key terms, is the perfect easy-to-understand introductory text for students, teachers, clinicians or anyone with an interest in language development. Drawing together the latest research on typical, atypical and multilingual development, it is the concise beginner's guide to the field.

Increasingly dyslexia is becoming a whole-school issue. The responsibility for addressing the needs of dyslexic students no longer rests with one individual but is the responsibility of all school staff - subject specialists and school management. This timely book addresses this need by providing specific guidance to secondary school staff on how to support dyslexic students within different subject areas and within the principles and practices of inclusion.

This new, revised edition retains all the strengths of the well-established "Beat Dyslexia" series to support those students struggling to read, write or spell. The comprehensive programme develops literacy skills by combining successful phonological approaches with the very best of conventional, multi-sensory and structured teaching methods. The series takes pupils from the earliest stages of letter recognition through to full literacy. Using a wide range of imaginative approaches, the activities are carefully structured so that all the goals are small and attainable. Pupils gain confidence through consolidation and success as they develop their reading skills and build a sound understanding of basic spelling and grammar. The wide variety of phonic activities are based on multi-sensory techniques that assist the teacher in maintaining pupils' interest and enthusiasm - making them ideal for those with short concentration spans. Although primarily designed for dyslexic pupils of all ages, in one-to-one or small group sessions, the careful use of visual and aural approaches, in a clearly structured progession, make them suitable for any pupil struggling to acquire literacy skills. In-built assessment is provided through the progressive series of engaging reading passages and spelling tests.

This book considers how individuals with Autism can be enabled to learn through specific approaches to teaching that draw together understandings of how such individuals think and learn, and the implications for those who aim to teach them. A new and coherent perspective on the education of individuals with Autism is offered - a pedagogy for Autism.
Both teachers and parents will benefit from the insights this book offers into reasons behind Autistic ways of behaving and guidance about ways of responding

This book is designed as a college-level textbook introducing readers to all aspects of intellectual disability in children, from birth to the end of schooling, with an educational focus. The book will be of interest to persons training as special education teachers or who are training as regular teachers with a focus on special education. It will also be relevant reading for parents of children with intellectual disability, for practicing teachers, and for other professionals working with such children (psychologists, social workers, nurses, therapists). The field of special education and intellectual disability practice has been strongly influenced by legislation in the United States. The United States is also the source of most research in the disability field. For this reason, there is an emphasis in this book on research and practice in the United States. However, there is also coverage of research and practice in Australia (where the author is located); the UK, where there are several leading research groups; and other parts of the world. Instructors may wish to use the book as the basis of a one-semester unit on the education of students with intellectual disability. Each chapter could be treated over 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the focus of the group and the particular interest of the instructor. A group with an early childhood focus would spend more time on early intervention. A secondary-focused group might spend more time on postschool options. Each major chapter section has questions for discussion or reflection, and there are also discussion questions about the case studies provided in each chapter. This book provides readers with up-to-date information on the latest research on the identification and definition of intellectual disability, assessment of intellectual disability and adaptive behavior, causes of intellectual disability, educational options and alternatives, early intervention for young children with intellectual disability, and practical approaches to teaching and intervention. In the final chapter, the author reviews options for students at the end of their formal schooling.

This book explores what happens to people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) when they reach adulthood. It provides an examination of various terms and definitions in use and a critical exploration of current UK policies. The author brings a wealth of many years' experience as a family carer, independent consultant and trainer to demonstrate the significant changes that a person-centred, specialised therapeutic and incremental approach can make to an individual's life. Advances in medical science mean more than ever, people with (PIMD) are growing into adulthood. What is this experience like for an adult who needs support in all aspects of their life? How do we include them in planning support when their intellectual disability means they cannot tell us first hand, what they want or need? Too often this group are overlooked or considered as an afterthought in policy and planning. Notions of independence, employment and mainstream inclusion are all problematic policy ideas for this group of people. Within one-size-fits-all service planning this focus means there is less capacity to meet their life-long specialist, complex and individualised needs. Understanding Profound and Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities in Adults is essential reading for anyone who is involved in the lives of adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, whether as a researcher, student, carer or policy-maker.

I realised EVERYTHING I was doing was wrong. I needed to learn. I needed to change. During Laura Kerbey's time teaching autistic children, she had a sudden realisation that those with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) are children like no other! None of her tried and tested autism strategies would work to help them focus or learn and most of her time was spent wondering, what am I doing wrong? If you feel the same, this short, easy-to-read guide is here to teach you everything you need to know from one educator to another. With an introduction to what PDA is followed by PDA tailored advice on how to connect with your student and create an autonomous, spontaneous environment that is personalised for you both, this guide is here to ensure that you and your PDA student thrive! Illustrated by the popular Eliza Fricker and packed with entertaining anecdotes (including one about Jabba the Hut's poo), this go-to-guide contains everything you need to start implementing PDA friendly learning to help you connect with your student and help them make the most of their learning experience.

Volume 13 of "Advances in Learning and Behavioral Disabilities" presents a variety of topics relevant to disorders of learning and behavior, from a diverse international group of researchers. In the first chapter, H. Lee Swanson presents a comprehensive discussion and analysis of working memory in readers with learning disabilities and its relation to deficits in executive processing. A chapter by Kathryn Fletcher, Marcia Schott, Lois-Lynn Deuel, and Beda Jean-Francios reviews comparative research on cognitive abilities of individuals with learning disabilities and mild mental retardation. Patrizio Tressoldi and Daniela Lucangeli discuss a conceptual approach to mathematical word problem solving, and provide implications for diagnosis and treatment. Francesca Pazzaglia, Rossana De Beni, and Lucia Caccio discuss working memory and disorders in reading comprehension. Teresa Crenshaw, Kenneth Kavale, Steven Forness, and Ronald Reeve provide a meta-analysis of research on the effects of stimulant medication on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and discuss implications for practice. Panayota Mantzicopoulos and Delmont Morrison describe a tutoring model for improving behavior problems of at-risk students, and describe results of relevant research. Frederick Brigham and Jane Cole provide a chapter on developments in research on selective mutism, discussing causes, characteristics, assessment, and treatment. Finally, Ana van Berckelaer-Onnes and Daniela Lucangeli provide an analysis of theoretical perspectives on autism, and discuss recent relevant research. Taken together, this volume contributes reviews and discussions of a variety of perspectives and topics relevant to the study of learning and behavioral disabilities.

Recognizing the characteristics of children with learning disabilities and deciding how to help them is a problem faced by schools all over the world. Although some disorders are fairly easily recognizable (e.g., mental retardation) or very specific to single components of performance and quite rare (e.g., developmental dyscalculia), schools must consider much larger populations of children with learning difficulties who cannot always be readily classified. These children present high-level learning difficulties that affect their performance on a variety of school tasks, but the underlying problem is often their difficulty in understanding written text. In many instances, despite good intellectual abilities and a superficial ability to cope with written texts and to use language appropriately, some children do not seem to grasp the most important elements, or cannot find the pieces of information they are looking for. Sometimes these difficulties are not immediately detected by the teacher in the early school years. They may be hidden because the most obvious early indicators of reading progress in the teacher's eyes do not involve comprehension of written texts or because the first texts a child encounters are quite simple and reflect only the difficulty level of the oral messages (sentences, short stories, etc.) with which the child is already familiar. However, as years go by and texts get more complex, comprehension difficulties will become increasingly apparent and increasingly detrimental to effective school learning. In turn, studying, assimilating new information, and many other situations requiring text comprehension -- from problem solving to reasoning with linguistic contents -- could be affected.
Problems with decoding, dyslexia, and language disorders have attracted more interest from researchers than have specific comprehension problems and have occupied more room in specialized journals. Normal reading comprehension has also been a favorite with researchers. However, scarce interest has been paid to subjects who have comprehension difficulties. This book is an attempt to remedy this situation. In so doing, this volume answers the following questions:
* Does a reading comprehension problem exist in schools?
* How important and widespread is the problem?
* Is the problem specific?
* How can a reading comprehension difficulty be defined and identified?
* Does the "syndrome" have a single pattern or can different subtypes be identified?
* What are the main characteristics associated with a reading comprehension difficulty?
* When can other well-identified problems add to our understanding of reading comprehension difficulties?
* Which educational strategies are effective in preventing and treating reading comprehension difficulties?
* What supplementary information can we get from an international perspective?

It is becoming recognized that the multiple and complex problems of children with emotional and behavioral problems and their families exceed the capacity of any single service system. Emerging School-Based Approaches for Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems presents educators and social service practitioners with innovative programs and practices for these children while in school with emphasis on inter-service collaboration. The book fulfills a growing need for an organized discussion of how the integrated service paradigm can be applied in the context of school settings. Special consideration is given to the issues and problems that are idiosyncratic to schools as institutions. Emerging School-Based Approaches for Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems shows school administrators, teachers, and child service providers conceptual, practice, and research aspects of integrated service programs in school settings. Professionals gain insight for planning organizational change as prominent experts and practitioners share their work across a range of issues and geographic sites. They explore these topics: systems of care for children and families schools as health delivery sites parent involvement for students with emotional and behavioral disorders program planning and evaluation planned organizational changeChapters provide readers with general information about the features of an integrated approach, provide practical examples of exemplary programs, and consider organizational change issues that can facilitate or impede movement toward a more collaborative approach. Programs presented focus on the development of more broad-based community services, less restrictive child placement, prevention of hospitalization and out-of-home placement, interagency collaboration, flexible and individualized services, and cost containment and efficiency. The integrated service movement in children s services holds much promise as a means to create more comprehensive and coordinated school-based systems of care for children and families. Special education teachers and administrators, school and child clinical psychologists, and school counselors will find Emerging School-Based Approaches for Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems fundamental to their understanding of the integrated systems approach and a helpful guide as they undergo their own organizational changes.

Written during a period of reexamination and change in the field of special education, this book was developed in order to provide a better understanding of the contexts in which children receive their formal education. The movement toward the "least restrictive environment" for the education of children with disabilities is weathering a wave of reinterpretations including mainstreaming, the regular education initiative, and inclusion. While each interpretation has its proponents and critics, limited theory and few data are available to guide these important policy decisions.
Focusing specifically on classrooms -- the settings where educators can have the most immediate impact and where research is most needed -- this volume's goals are:
* to establish what is known about classroom ecologies from both general and special education perspectives,
* to integrate the perspectives of researchers and practitioners, and
* to chart directions for further research specifically related to children with learning disabilities.
The construct of classroom ecology is defined as three interrelated domains: instruction, teacher and peer interaction, and organization and management. This scheme provides the structure for the book. Taken as a whole, the content of the volume underscores the limits of current knowledge and at the same time provides directions for needed changes in both research and practice.

The journey towards inclusive education and collaborative practices in different countries is complex and interdependent within each unique geopolitical landscape. Instructional Collaboration in International Inclusive Education Contexts looks at the instructional collaboration between special education and general education in international educational contexts and the role this plays in enabling inclusive education. This book provides insights into how collaborative practices are enacted in support of inclusive education in different countries around the world. Presenting a theoretical framework of instructional collaboration to provide an understanding of the commonalities, differences, and challenges of collaboration internationally. Scholars from thirteen nations each contribute towards the implementation of instructional collaborative practices and highlight how instructional collaboration is developed from teacher preparation programs, describing how this is implemented in schools to provide insight of the social and political considerations that impact on the promotion of inclusive education in the context of their country. Instructional Collaboration in International Inclusive Education Contexts is essential reading for researchers and professionals with a focus on inclusive and special education.

The category of learning disabilities continues to be among the most contentious in special education. Much of the debate and dissent emanates from a lack of understanding about its basic nature. The failure to evolve a comprehensive and unified perspective about the nature of learning disabilities has resulted in the concept being lost. The loss is best illustrated through the failure to answer this seemingly simple question: "What is a learning disability?"
Using historical, empirical, theoretical, conceptual, and philosophical analyses, this volume explores a number of problems and issues facing the field of learning disabilities. The chapters cover historical influences, definitional problems, primary characteristics, assessment practices, theoretical development, major themes, research and measurement models, and long-term outcomes. The goal is to explicate the nature of learning disabilities by analyzing what it was supposed to be, what it has become, and what it might be. A predominant theme running through this text is the necessity for the field of learning disabilities to regain integrity by recapturing its essence.

This accessible book provides evidence-based guidelines on dyscalculia, offering a thorough explanation of the science behind the disorder. It combines this theoretical framework with practical recommendations, offering interventions for managing the condition at home and school and avoiding potential behavioural consequences. Written in a straightforward style, this book provides a concise summary of relevant research to empower the reader to take an informed and positive approach to dyscalculia and those who live with it. The internationally based team of contributors examine the different models that explain the construct of dyscalculia, looking at definitions and theories alongside signs, symptoms and diagnosis. Chapters also explore how to communicate diagnosis to peers, possible cultural differences and sensitivities when related to mathematics education and dyscalculia and the importance of maintaining a proactive attitude when working with children with dyscalculia. Understanding Dyscalculia is essential reading for parents and practitioners in clinical and educational psychology, education professionals and students and researchers of special educational needs, educational psychology and counselling psychology.

Understanding Twice-Exceptional Learners offers an in-depth look at the needs and lived experiences of students who are twice-exceptional. This book: Includes detailed examinations of co-occurring disabilities commonly found in twice-exceptional populations. Features studies of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, OCD, and more. Bridges the divide between research about and practical strategies for teaching gifted students with learning challenges. Is Ideal for university teacher preparation courses and graduate programs. Provides strength-based strategies that focus on students' unique gifts and talents. Each chapter includes a comprehensive literature review, suggested interventions, resources for further exploration, and vignettes that highlight experiences of twice-exceptional students and the behaviors and needs that practitioners might commonly see in the classroom.

Playtime is essential for children's wellbeing and provides key opportunities to make friends. Yet for some children, unstructured play can present real challenges. This original resource provides ideas and tools to support children aged 6-9 with communication conditions as they socialise with their peers. The set includes: Zedie & Zoola's Playtime Cards - a pack of 25 cards containing ideas for fun playground games that encourage children with different communication styles to play together. Zedie & Zoola Light Up the Night - a beautifully illustrated storybook, which draws on themes relating to friendships, neurodiversity, participation, and advocacy. Zedie & Zoola's Playful Universe - an evidence-based guide offering additional advice for adults to use the cards effectively, with helpful contextual information to assist in making playtimes more accessible. The first of its kind to draw attention to the barriers to play experienced by children with communication conditions, this practical and informative set aims to engage children and foster an inclusive and supportive environment. It is suitable for use at both school and at home, with plenty of opportunities to encourage play, and will be a valuable resource for primary school teachers, speech and language therapists, and parents.

- Adopts a unique case study approach to help clinicians and students reflect on clinical decision-making involving the assessment and management of patients presenting with fluency disorders - Draws on the expertise of leading scholars and clinicians - Accompanied by additional resources including weblinks, diagrams, inter-linking theoretical models of intervention, video clips, and data regarding worldwide stereotypes/attitudes towards stuttering

"Fine Motor Skills" contains over 40 photocopiable activities designed to improve children's fine motor control, pencil grip and hand-eye coordination. Carefully differentiated tasks enable children to progress effectively through the varied and challenging activities, which include finger-painting, colouring-in, following mazes and paths, overdrawing and dot-to-dots. Find your way around a haunted house, join the dots to complete the rocket, finger paint all the colours of the rainbow and take part in many other exciting adventures! Written by the same experienced authors of the popular "Cutting Skills" book (2002; ISBN 1-85503-349-6) the activities are so enjoyable children will improve their motor control without even noticing! It includes Teachers' Notes with sections on vocabulary and observation. It gives full instructions detailing the objectives and targets for each activity: Finger Painting; Colouring In; Overdrawing; Dot-to-Dot; and Mazes and Paths. It complies with the National Curriculum Key Stage 1 and Stage 2.