This book provides an extensive overview of curricula and instructional strategies for teaching children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It offers an empirically solid framework for designing and developing interventions for learners along the autism spectrum by reducing skill deficits and enhancing learner strengths while being flexible enough to allow for individual differences. The book discusses key concepts in educating individuals with ASD as they impact the processes of syllabus building, from planning goals and objectives to generating content choosing appropriate teaching strategies, and assessing progress. Chapters detail curriculum designs in academic areas such as language skills, science, and social studies, as well as functional skills, including independent living, career development, and preventing social victimization. The book concludes with recommendations for future interventions and curricula-building. Among the topics covered: Communication and autism spectrum disorder. Mathematical problem-solving instruction for students with ASD. Visual arts curriculum for students with ASD. How to build programs focused on daily living and adult independence. Sexuality education for students with ASD. Curricula for Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder is a must-have resource for researchers, graduate students, and clinicians and related therapists and professionals in clinical child and school psychology, childhood/special education, social work, developmental psychology, behavioral therapy/rehabilitation, and child and adolescent psychiatry.

At least one in seven people are thought to be neurodivergent. So what exactly is neurodiversity? What does 'executive functioning' mean? What are 'spiky profiles'? In this simple guide, expert speaker and trainer Daniel Aherne provides a clear introduction to neurodiversity and the four most common neurodivergent identities of autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Using an analogy of a cactus needing a desert to grow in, he emphasises the importance of getting the environment right for neurodivergent people, rather than expecting them to adapt to the neurotypical world. Daniel, who himself has ADHD, also explains how neurodivergent people often have great strengths alongside areas of difficulty, and writes about the interplay between diagnoses, as well as unpacking tricky concepts such as working memory, sensory processing, communication differences and more. Busting common misconceptions and setting out simple tips and guidance for supporting the neurodivergent people around you, whether among your family, friends or at your school, college or workplace - or if you yourself are ND and want to improve the understanding of others - this essential guide will help us all celebrate neurodiversity and foster more inclusive communities.

Thinking, Reasoning, and Decision Making in Autism provides fresh insights into the cognitive processes that underlie some of the typical characteristics of autism. Autism has long been considered an enigma, and no single theory so far has been able to explain, or even fully describe, the key characteristics of the autistic mind. From the interdisciplinary perspective of new research in cognitive psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and neuroscience, this book explores thinking, reasoning, and decision making in autism. The new cognitive approaches challenge some of the existing assumptions of the nature of thought in autism, including presumed areas of impairments. Instead, this book focuses on the nuanced array of cognitive signatures that characterize the autistic mind, and in many cases it reveals the possibility of intact performance alongside instances of remarkably enhanced thinking. The book considers the implications of these characteristics, providing in-depth analyses of specific areas of cognitive functioning, and their everyday manifestations. Featuring contributions from world-leading researchers from the fields of cognitive science and autism research, this volume will be essential reading for advanced students and researchers, as well as those working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

This book re-examines the case of Nadia, discovered as a child aged six, who had been drawing with phenomenal skill and visual realism from the age of three, despite having autism and severe learning difficulties. The original research was published in 1977 and caused great international interest. Nadia Revisited updates her story and reconsiders the theories that endeavour to explain her extraordinary talent. As well as summarising the central issues from the original case study and presenting her remarkable drawings, the book explains Nadia's subsequent development and present situation in light of the recent research on autistic spectrum disorders and representational drawing in children. The book also considers the phenomenon of savant syndrome: the condition in which those with autism or other learning disabilities have areas of unusual talent that contrast dramatically with their general functioning. Lorna Selfe uses this single case study to discuss theories of developmental psychology and considers the possible links between prodigious talent and underlying neurological dysfunction. The book is especially valuable for students and teachers of developmental psychology and neuropsychology, education and special education, as well as art and art education. Parents of autistic children or those with related disorders, learning difficulties or special needs will also be interested in the discussions presented in this book.

In the beloved classic book The Way I See It, Dr. Temple Grandin gets to the REAL issues of autism the ones parents, teachers, and individuals on the spectrum face every day. In this updated fifth edition, Temple offers helpful dos and don'ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips all based on her insider perspective and a great deal of research. Revised and updated chapters include: Alternative Vs. Conventional Medicine Do Not Get Trapped By Labels The Importance of Early Educational Intervention Too Much Video Gaming and Screen Time Try On Careers and many more! Temple has packed a wealth of knowledge into this book, which serves as an excellent reference resource for a multitude of topics related to ASD. Whether you're searching for something specific or reading cover-to-cover, The Way I See It is required reading for everyone whose life has been touched by autism.

Thinking, Reasoning, and Decision Making in Autism provides fresh insights into the cognitive processes that underlie some of the typical characteristics of autism. Autism has long been considered an enigma, and no single theory so far has been able to explain, or even fully describe, the key characteristics of the autistic mind. From the interdisciplinary perspective of new research in cognitive psychology, linguistics, philosophy, and neuroscience, this book explores thinking, reasoning, and decision making in autism. The new cognitive approaches challenge some of the existing assumptions of the nature of thought in autism, including presumed areas of impairments. Instead, this book focuses on the nuanced array of cognitive signatures that characterize the autistic mind, and in many cases it reveals the possibility of intact performance alongside instances of remarkably enhanced thinking. The book considers the implications of these characteristics, providing in-depth analyses of specific areas of cognitive functioning, and their everyday manifestations. Featuring contributions from world-leading researchers from the fields of cognitive science and autism research, this volume will be essential reading for advanced students and researchers, as well as those working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Originally published in 1977. This book is a comprehensive account of the state of knowledge about autism in the 1970s. Its main emphases are the special needs of autistic children and everyday aspects of dealing with them - how to manage, teach and 'treat' them. As such, it will be of particular value for teachers and parents, but equally important for GPs, paediatricians, child psychiatrists and psychologists and anyone else playing a role in the diagnosis and care of these children. In the opening chapters, the two editors discuss the diagnosis of autism and the specific techniques used when dealing with problems of learning and behaviour in autistic children from early childhood to adolescence. The various contributors, also specialists in the field, then draw on their own particular knowledge and expertise to cover research, the ancillary services which are available, and useful techniques for working with older autistic persons.

Engaging and reader-friendly, this text presents the vital material required by special educators to plan and implement effective programs that meet the needs of students with autism, specifically those who also have intellectual disabilities (ID). You'll find detailed information about evidence-based practices in the field of autism, beginning with an overview that discusses etiology, characteristics, diagnosis, and program considerations, followed by in-depth coverage of evidence-based teaching practices in a step-by-step format. The authors' optimistic viewpoint is grounded in the premise that applied behavior analytical interventions, if well planned and accurately implemented, will increase the potential for each student's independent functioning in integrated settings.

Sending a son or daughter off to college is daunting and fear-provoking experience for most parents, but if your child has an autism spectrum disorder, the challenge is magnified many times over. Even high-functioning students with excellent academic preparation face difficulties in higher education, primarily related to communication, social skills, and sensory-based issues. For many, the accommodations and special interventions that supported them in high school will no longer be available on a college campus. This parent-friendly book, made especially so because it is written by parents, who also are autism professionals, takes the fear and mystery out of the college experience. Learn how to select the right campus, how to work with Disability Services staff, what legal protections apply, how to prepare your son or daughter to be an effective self-advocate on campus, what assistance can be reasonably be expected from residence hall managers, faculty, and much, much more.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment in Schools serves as a guide on how to assess children for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), specifically in school settings. Dilly and Hall offer a general overview of ASD, describe ASD assessment best practices, and explain the process of identifying ASD in schools. Current research and up-to-date science is incorporated in a practitioner-friendly manner, and short case vignettes will increase the accessibility of the book content and illustrate principles. As the rates of ASD reach 1/59 children, and school psychologists are increasingly expected to possess expertise in the assessment of ASD, this book serves as a must have for school psychologists, school social workers, and other practitioners.

Regardless of their cognitive and linguistic abilities, people with autism can often find it difficult to develop basic communicative skills that are necessary to gain full control over their environment and maintain their independence. Building on the author's own cutting-edge research, Adult Interactive Style Intervention and Participatory Research Designs in Autism examines the impact that the interactive style of neurotypical individuals could have on the spontaneous communication of children with autism. This book provides clear and detailed guidance on how to conduct research into autism in real-world settings such as schools and homes. Kossyvaki critically evaluates a wealth of relevant case studies and focuses on a number of methodological issues that researchers are likely to face when carrying out research of this complex nature. The author walks the reader through present literature on the importance of spontaneous communication and the atypical way that this tends to develop in autism, before bringing the results of her own research to bear on the question of how the interactive styles of neurotypical individuals can impact on the spontaneous communication of people with autism. Adult Interactive Style Intervention and Participatory Research Designs in Autism is essential reading for academics, researchers, and postgraduate students in the fields of special educational needs, inclusion, autism, research methods, and educational and clinical psychology.

School administrators play a key role in creating a mind-set within their school district, region, or school as to how school personnel approach various challenges they may encounter when working with students and families. In many instances, a school administrator can provide certain accommodations for students with disabilities, as well as guide decisions regarding how teachers address behavioral challenges. The purpose of this book is to provide school administrators with useful and practical suggestions and strategies that can increase student achievement, engagement, positive behavior, and social skills for high-functioning students on the spectrum (HF-ASD); help reduce educator stress and frustration; and increase positive interactions between families and school personnel so that the school day is more successful for all parties.

Play-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders explores the most recognized, researched, and practical methods for using play therapy with the increasing number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and shows clincians how to integrate these methods into their practices. Using a diverse array of play-based approaches, the book brings together the voices of researchers and practicing clinicians who are successfully utilizing play and play-based interventions with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. It also examines the neurobiological underpinnings of play in children on the autism spectrum and the overall effect of play on neuro-typical and neuro-atypical development. Finally, through careful integration of theory with real-world clinical case application, each chapter also shows clinicians how to incorporate a particular treatment approach and make it a viable and effective part of their work with this challenging clinical population.

How do you know which college is right for you? What happens if you don't get on with your roommate? And what on earth is the Greek system all about? As a university student with High-Functioning Autism, Haley Moss offers essential tips and advice in this insider's guide to surviving the Freshman year of college. Chatty, honest and full of really useful information, Haley's first-hand account of the college experience covers everything students with Autism Spectrum Disorders need to know. She talks through getting ready for college, dorm life and living away from parents, what to expect from classes, professors and exams, and how to cope in new social situations and make friends. This book is a must-read for all students on the autism spectrum who are about to begin their first year of college, parents and teachers who are helping them prepare, and college faculty and staff.

One 'alone, but not lonely' boy's triumph over adversity, motivated by his dream of becoming a professional footballer and a longing for truth and connection. Street's childhood memoir is a sensitive and honest portrayal, through a poetic autistic lens, of growing up with learning differences and epilepsy in an unconventional family during the 1950s and 60s. A unique and vivid social document of the period, highlighting much of the discrimination still faced by minority and disabled communities today.

Produced in conjunction with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Australia's largest provider of services with people on the autism spectrum, this new text explores the experiences, needs and aspirations of adults on the spectrum. The volume utilises the structure of a recent survey (the only one of its type in Australia and one of few conducted internationally) and presents data from the study with contributions from adults on the spectrum to illustrate the findings with first person accounts and case studies. By drawing on these unique experiences, this valuable resource is presented in a way that will be both engaging and accessible for a wide range of readers.

This brand new edition of Accessing the Curriculum for Learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders will provide educators with the principles and practices of Structured Teaching and how to apply these to enable learners to access the curriculum, whatever that curriculum may be. This unique resource is intended to be essential reading for schools and settings who are keen to implement Structured Teaching as an approach to including learners on the autism spectrum in teaching and learning. With a wide range of helpful advice and support, this book: demonstrates how to make use of the approach to address diverse needs, overcome barriers to learning and achieve successful differentiation; uses case studies and examples that illustrate how the approach is applicable across Early years, Primary, Secondary and vocational curricula; provides the physical structure, schedules, work systems and visual information necessary to illustrate use of these components to promote curriculum access, with an emphasis on understanding and meaning. This new edition is fully updated to include examples of new technologies and is suitable for use in a range of international educational contexts. It also includes a brand new chapter on blending Structured Teaching.

Taking an innovative approach to autism and play, this practical text focuses on the particular form play and friendship takes for children with autism and their peers. Autistic children have clear preferences for play, with sensory-perceptual experience remaining a strong feature as they develop. Play and Friendship in Inclusive Autism Education offers a framework for supporting children's development through play, with step-by-step guidance on how to facilitate the playful engagement of children with autism. Up to date research findings and relevant theoretical ideas are presented in an accessible and practical way, highlighting what theory means to ordinary practice in schools, whilst focusing on practical knowledge in autism education. Split into five chapters, this book covers some of the main issues surrounding inclusive education and play: discourses and definitions of play the difference between play and playfulness autism, play and the inclusion agenda in education the nature of sensory-perceptual experience in children's play cultures effective ways of supporting children's friendships. With practical guidance on how to support children with autism through play, this book will be essential reading for teachers, learning support assistants, SENCos and play workers, as well as professionals working in an advisory capacity. Students studying courses that cover autism will also find Play and Friendship in Inclusive Autism Education a valuable resource.

This book chronicles the experiences of ten autistic self-advocates who use rapid prompting method and facilitated communication. Their narratives document the complexities that autistic individuals navigate when choosing to use a highly controversial, alternative form of communication in educational and community Settings. Using letter boards and keyboards to write their chapters, the authors describe powerful stories in the context of aiming for disability rights. The book concludes by presenting research-based educational practices that schools and colleges enact to support students who use alternative forms of communication.

The English language can be extremely confusing and illogical, especially for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who interpret meaning in a very literal way. Why should an announcement that cats and dogs are falling from the sky indicate heavy rain? And what have chickens got to do with being a coward? It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a witty and stylish insight into the mind of someone with an ASD. It beautifully illustrates why people with ASDs have problems understanding common phrases and idioms that others accept unquestioningly as part of everyday speech. The quirky drawings will entertain and inspire those on the spectrum, giving them the confidence to recognise figures of speech, feel less alienated and even use idioms themselves. The drawings will form instantly memorable references for those with ASDs to recall whenever they need to and will be helpful for anyone curious to understand the ASD way of thinking. They will enable people on the spectrum and their friends, families, teachers and colleagues to better understand and communicate with each other.

Based on direct work with over 250 individual children, Andrew Miller wrote this book in order to provide parents and professionals with information, tools and guidance to help introduce children to autism in the absence of specialist support. This in-depth guide describes the practicalities of disclosure, including when to tell, who should do it and what they need to know beforehand with strategies to tailor your approach as every child's experience will be different. Step-by-step instructions detail how to deliver the programme and produce with a child a personalised booklet containing information about their personal attributes and their autism. These booklets and follow-up material help make disclosure a positive and constructive experience for everyone. Accompanying material can be downloaded online including questionnaires, examples of children's booklets and flexible templates.

Full of simple strategies for happiness in children and teens with autism, this book is a must read for anyone dedicated to the wellbeing of a child on the spectrum. Bringing a refreshingly positive approach to mental health and autism, the guide is full of practical ideas for helping children strengthen their self-worth, optimism and receptivity to happiness. It also reveals how children can build resilience and better understand their feelings, giving them the skills to flourish and thrive and to ward off negative thoughts. The activities are ideal for all learning levels and can be done individually or in groups, at home or in the classroom. Talking about mental health in autism is all too often reduced to ways of 'curing illness' - this book helps to prevent poor mental health by making happiness a priority and an attainable goal.

Visual supports have been proven to be a highly effective way to communicate with, and teach, a student with an autism spectrum disorder or other learning difficulty. This book is packed with simple, effective tools to assist in the education of students with special education needs. They can be adapted to be used with young children and older learners with a range of educational needs, including nonverbal learners. Based on the author's years of teaching experience, the book covers how the classroom environment is laid out, how to use schedules and time planning aids, different education approaches and the teaching of social rules and appropriate behavior. All the visual supports are clearly explained alongside examples and photos showing them in use in the classroom. The supports are also included with the accompanying online downloadable content as blank templates. This will be a welcome resource of easy-to-use ideas for mainstream and special education teachers. Therapists, parents and anyone working with students with learning difficulties will also find many of the ideas useful.

A key issue for researchers and practitioners is how to support the social engagement of children with autism in ordinary, everyday social processes that are transactional in nature and involve mixed groups of children, with and without autism, in rich and varied relationships. Autism and the Social World of Childhood brings together current understandings about the social engagement of children with autism, gained from psychology-based research into autism, with well-established ideas about children's everyday social worlds, gained from sociocultural theories of childhood. It describes the experiences of interaction, friendship and play from children's own point of view as a way of giving insight into children's lives as they are lived and understood by them. Such an understanding serves to inform educational practice and aids the provision of more effective learning environments. Autism and the Social World of Childhood includes sections on: the nature of play, social interaction and friendship in autism the nature of children's ordinary social worlds, including children's cultures of communication and variation in children's play research approaches to investigating the social engagement of children with and without autism in natural contexts educational approaches to supporting the integration of children with autism within a school setting the importance of assessment in autism education. Autism and the Social World of Childhood includes real life descriptions of children's social experiences taken from ethnographic research into the play and interaction of children with and without autism. Practical guidance is provided on educational approaches to supporting the inclusion of children with autism within the ordinary social worlds of childhood.