Rather than approaching the art of precocious young artists with autism as enigmatic and symptomatic, their work is explored as having its origin in human physiology and in the intrinsic human need for meaning. The narrative images in these young artists' exceptional art serve as both evidence and focus, allowing us to see the commonalities of all art and image-making. No art has been considered more enigmatic than that of young children with autism, for their often extremely early drawings intrigue viewers with their vivid, visually-based, perspective emphasis. Such art, often spontaneously produced by artists frequently considered retarded, is difficult to understand within the usual constructs of drawing pedagogy that emphasizes the necessity of practice and experience for mastery. However, it is a useful means of expressing one's interior self and of sharing with others a tale of one's own creation. Finally, this expression forms enduring links with other people in the common human language of lines and forms.

Autistic people are empirically and scientifically generalized as living in a fragmented, alternate reality, without a coherent continuous self. In Part I, this book presents recent neuropsychological research and its implications for existing theories of autism, selfhood, and identity, challenging common assumptions about the formation and structure of the autistic self and autism's relationship to neurotypicality. Through several case studies in Part II, the book explores the ways in which artists diagnosed with autism have constructed their identities through participation within art communities and cultures, and how the concept of self as 'story' can be utilized to better understand the neurological differences between autism and typical cognition. This book will be of particular interest to researchers and scholars within the fields of Disability Studies, Art Education, and Art Therapy.

This book is a key edition to the Working With... series. It contains practical information in an accessible format for speech and language therapists to draw on in this subject area. It draws on evidence based models/approaches well recognised in the field of Speech and Language therapy and specialist teaching, in a comprehensive way.

* Discusses how awareness of autism has evolved, beginning with a relatively homogenous group of patients with obvious symptoms and increasingly including a wider range of patients with less obvious symptoms and less need for support * Reviews the DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder, teaching clinicians what each criterion encompasses, particularly in individuals who are less obviously autistic * Describes traits and challenges that are not part of the formal diagnostic criteria, but which commonly co-occur in autistic individuals with less obvious traits * Includes reflections from those with subtle autism who struggled to be diagnosed

Special education encompasses a broad range of techniques and tools for a catering to children with unique educational needs. Children in need of additional learning support, including children on the autism spectrum, benefit from continued research in emerging educational tools and pedagogies for best catering to their needs. Supporting the Education of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders focuses on a well-rounded approach to special education, including perspectives on administration and leadership, course development, psychological and counseling support, educational technologies, and classroom management strategies. Emphasizing timely research focused on creating opportune learning environments for children on the autism spectrum, this publication is an essential reference source for educators, school administrators, graduate-level students, and researchers in the field of education.

Educating College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders is one of the first books to specifically address the accommodation of students with significant learning differences in postsecondary education. Developed with the support of Autism Speaks, and piloted at Pace University, each component of this book is scientifically-based and provides a model of emerging best practices for college instruction involving students with ASD. The text is designed to give college faculty a deep understanding of students with ASD and help faculty to productively engage students with ASD, while also meeting the needs of all students in their classes. The strategies included in the manual are solidly grounded in principles of universal design and will prove indispensible for teaching college students of varying ability levels and diverse learning styles. A companion video shows clips of students and educators that are engaged in inclusive practices to illustrate approaches that have been successful in dealing with challenging situations in the classroom.

All About Autism is an accessible and informative guide for primary school teachers, designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of autism and enhance their toolkit with practical, adaptable strategies to support autistic children in their care. The book initially explores key traits and terminology, debunks myths and misconceptions, and shines a light on the strengths and abilities of autistic learners. It then introduces readers to a range of easy-to-implement ideas for practice and concrete solutions to provide further support, all with the child at the heart. All About Autism includes: Practical strategies tailored to the primary key stages with current research broken down into easily digestible chunks. Guidance on a range of topics, from the importance of play for developing communication and supporting sensory needs, to building peer relationships and social awareness for all. Strategies to create an autistic-friendly environment and teach in a way that caters to students with different ways of learning. Advice for helping autistic learners with problem solving, managing demands, tests, and bridging the gap between primary and secondary school. Easy to dip-in-and-out of chapters with signposting to further research, resources, and support. Taking a celebratory approach, the guide focuses on difference rather than deficit and weaves together the voices of autistic children and parents alongside practical examples of what high-quality and adapted teaching should look like. It will be essential reading for all primary school educators, SENCOs and parents who are supporting autistic learners, aged 4-11.

Playfulness is important; it creates an alternative space where emotional, cognitive and social dimensions can be explored and tested. This highly practical book explores the endless possibilities of using playful, creative and interactive activities to meaningfully engage with children with multiple learning difficulties or autistic spectrum disorders. The author presents playfulness as 'an experimental frame of mind', and encourages practitioners to play with roles, ideas, words, concepts and objects in order to enhance relationships and interventions. By providing accessible steps to playfulness, this text explores some of the contemporary issues surrounding the education of children with severe learning needs, in particular the use of 'intensive interaction'. This text considers different areas of creative interactive work for practitioners to draw inspiration from, including: Music Interactive Musical Movement Finger Dance Story and Drama Artwork Reflective Circle. The varied array of tried and tested original activities have been devised to encourage the development of social interaction, cognition, play, experimentation and creativity, in particular but not exclusively, for children whose learning needs are more complex. The author also invites teachers working in mainstream, particularly early years and primary education, to investigate the creative possibilities inherent in playfulness and to use the activities in this book to enhance the learning environment. This text offers an abundance of advice, practical strategies and tips for teachers working in special and mainstream early years and primary education. Practitioners such as therapists, care workers, community musicians and creative arts specialists will also find this book useful.

In this welcome second edition of The Effective Teacher 's Guide to Autism and Communication Difficulties, best-selling author Michael Farrell addresses how teachers and others can develop provision for students with autism and students that have difficulties with speech, grammar, meaning, use of language and comprehension. Updated and expanded, this book allows the teacher to be self-critical in developing classroom approaches and offers up-to-date research combined with professional experience on how to best achieve good practice in the classroom. This accessible book offers down-to-earth information on:

• Terms and definitions
• Legal considerations
• Classroom strategies
• Useful resources
• Pedagogical issues.

This new edition will be a useful source of ideas and guidance for teachers and others working with children with autism or other communication disorders. It will also be useful for all new teachers, for those continuing professional development, school mamagers and administrators.

In a readable and highly accessible ethnographic account that is shaped by the stories of families and the voices of parents, De Wolfe examines how parents of children with autism navigate the educational and medical systems, understand their own and their children's bodies, and support and educate one another.

Basic Skills Checklists is an easy-to-use, informal assessment tool that brings method to the madness of classroom assessment. It focuses on pre-academic, readiness, and academic skills expected from learners in the early elementary years. Author and experienced teacher Marlene Breitenbach developed these helpful checklists in special-needs and inclusive classrooms while serving children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The checklists have been used by resource teachers, special educators, mainstream teachers, and paraprofessionals. Simple, customizable charts make it easy to record children's progress in skill areas such as basic concepts, reading/language, math, fine motor, and independence. This flexible tool is great for one-on-one or group assessment
These checklists will help educators: Identify current skills and problem areasDevelop appropriate, realistic learning objectivesCreate individualized programsMonitor and measure progress over timeKeep clear records for the IEP team and future teachersAssess over 40 different skills

Helpful sections include: AdministrattionChecklistsBasic ConceptsReading and Language ArtsMathFine MotorIndependenceParent Checklists

This concise guide offers an accessible introduction to the key theoretical perspectives and methodologies in developmental psychology. It integrates insights from typical and atypical development to reveal fundamental aspects of human growth and development, and common developmental disorders. The topic books in this series draw on international research in the field and are informed by biological, social and cultural perspectives, offering explanations of developmental phenomena with a focus on how children and adolescents at different ages actually think, feel and act. In this succinct volume, Stephen von Tetzchner outlines the main theoretical perspectives including psychodynamic psychology, behaviorism, logical constructivism, social constructivism, evolutionary psychology, ethological psychology, ecological psychology, information processing and critical developmental psychology. He provides a guide to methods of gaining knowledge about children and introduces child and adolescent disorders. Together with a companion website that offers topic-based quizzes, lecturer PowerPoint slides and sample essay questions, Typical and Atypical Child and Adolescent Development 1: Theory and Methodology is an essential text for all students of developmental psychology, as well as those working in the fields of child development, developmental disabilities and special education. The content of this topic book is taken from Stephen von Tetzchner's core textbook Child and Adolescent Psychology: Typical and Atypical Development. The comprehensive volume offers a complete overview of child and adolescent development. For more information visit www.routledge.com/9781138823396

People often say that 'school is the best time of your life', but for Lara, school is loud and confusing. She much prefers watching James Bond films or building furniture in her dad's workshop. When the teachers at Lara's new school realise that she is autistic, they are able to help with strategies to make school more tolerable for her. All except Mr Prender-ghastly. The headmaster has been looking for a way to gently direct Mr Prendergast towards a change of career, but it is Lara, and her special man-eating sofa, who finally help rid the school of the fearsome teacher. This entertaining story, suitable for readers aged 8-12, explores some of the challenges faced by autistic pupils and those with social communication and interaction difficulties in mainstream schools. It highlights the stress and anxiety that young people with sensory processing and social interaction difficulties may feel in the noisy and unpredictable school environment, and identifies some strategies that can be used to support them. Also available as a set with a supporting guide, this book operates as a fun and engaging standalone story, both for children who are autistic themselves and those who are not. It is a must-have book for every classroom.

Ensuring classrooms are inclusive to all students, particularly those with disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder, is crucial in today's educational landscape. It is vital that educators are prepared and knowledgeable on the current best practices and policies in order to provide these students with the most thorough education possible. Rethinking Perception and Centering the Voices of Unique Individuals: Reframing Autism Inclusion in Praxis introduces a new model of reframing autism spectrum disorder inclusion for professors of preliminary teacher candidates and provides meaningful understanding and support for professors who prepare preliminary teacher candidates. Covering key topics such as equity, mental disorders, inclusive education, and educational reform, this reference work is ideal for administrators, stakeholders, policymakers, teacher educators, counselors, researchers, academicians, scholars, practitioners, instructors, and students.

This book is a practical guide to implementing the Intensive Interaction Approach in a school setting and provides essential technical support to teachers and practitioners from nursery to Post-16 who want to embed it into their classroom practice. Geared mainly towards supporting children with communication and social-communication difficulties arising from autism or learning difficulties, the principles apply equally to students of all levels of cognitive ability who struggle with social situations and emotional or sensory regulation. The Intensive Interaction Classroom Guide brings together contributions from experienced teachers, teaching assistants, and headteachers, who reflect on their practice and share practical tips to facilitate social-communication development within a nurturing classroom environment. Offering practical advice on curriculum and pedagogy and drawing on case studies, authors address key themes on a practical level, while grounding their discussions theoretically and methodologically. Filled with practical advice and techniques, this book will be essential to anyone working in classroom settings with students who experience social-communication difficulties or need a nurturing approach to emotional well-being.

The "missing piece" in successfully developing and using sensory modulation plans with elementary students this is an illustrated children's book about an exuberant little boy who had difficulty paying attention in class and doing his school work until he was equipped with the tools to accommodate his sensory needs. Written from Arnie's point of view, the book uses simple language to describe some of the sensory tools and strategies he uses at school and home to help him achieve a more optimal level of alertness and performance. Arnie and His School Tools creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. Occupational therapists, teachers and parents will find this book an engaging way to introduce elementary students to basic sensory tools used to help children focus in classroom settings, such as fidgets, chewy pencil toppers, and weighted vests.Additional resources are provided at the end of the book, including definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites.

Preparing Kids for the Real World and Their Best SelvesThe greatest gifts we can give a child are those that help them grow into their best self. Parents and professionals alike strive to guide youngsters in developing a sense of self-worth and functioning in line with their highest capabilities. No matter what specific challenges a child may face, success is reaching the level of independence and engagement in the world they are realistically capable of achieving. Since the 1st edition of our book, the prevalence rate of children diagnosed as autistic has continued to rise. Greater numbers of kids are transitioning into adulthood with a spectrum label than ever before. Researchers around the world churn out studies, many aimed at learning more about the factors that help autistic children learn and gain skills. Community awareness of autism has risen, and companies and colleges are taking notice.

This book examines current trends and practices in social skills instruction for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on empirical support of current practices and for which populations such practices have been most frequently evaluated (e.g., ages, levels of functioning). It details key practices that may be implemented as social skills teaching strategies as well as the theoretical underpinnings of the teaching strategies, relevant empirical support, and a guide to utilization supported by the empirical evaluations. These guides to utilization are a practical tool for implementation of commonly evaluated social skills teaching strategies. In addition, the book describes limitations of social skills teaching and offers recommendations for future research and intervention strategies that may overcome its current limitations. Key topics featured include: Video modeling and social skills training for individuals with ASD. Behavioral skills training for ASD. Peer-mediated teaching of persons with autism. Social narratives of individuals with ASD. Social Skills Teaching for Individuals with Autism is a must-have resource for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and other professionals in clinical child and school psychology, behavioral therapy/rehabilitation, social work, public health, and all interrelated disciplines.

This book addresses the difficult challenges that children with autism present educators. By comprehensively examining the scientific knowledge underlying educational practices, programs and strategies in China and Finland, it provides valuable information for parents, administrators, researchers, and policy makers. This book examines the following fundamental issues related to the education of children with autism: *How children's specific diagnoses should affect educational assessment and planning *How we can support the families of children with autism *Features of effective instructional and comprehensive programs and strategies *How we can better prepare teachers, school staff, professionals and parents when it comes to educating children with autism *What policies at the national and local levels will best ensure appropriate education, examining strategies and resources needed to address the rights of children with autism to appropriate education

Children on the autistic spectrum experience varying degrees of difficulties; all of which can be understood as a disassociation of mind and body. Expressing feelings, making eye contact, keeping a steady heartbeat and recognizing faces are all part of the autism dilemma which can be poetically explored by Shakespeare. Over ten years, Hunter worked with children on all points of the spectrum, developing drama games for the specific purpose of combatting autism. These unique games, derived from specific moments in the plays, shed new light on how to teach Shakespeare to children, using the drama as an exploration of how it feels to be alive. Shakespeare's Heartbeat is a step-by-step guide, detailing how to demonstrate, play and share these sensory games. The book includes: Games based on A Midsummer Night's Dream Games based on The Tempest Tips and advice for playing one-on-one with the children An afterword describing Hunter's journey from performer and practitioner to creator of this work. Shakespeare's poetic definitions of seeing, thinking and loving reveal the very processes that children with autism find so difficult to achieve. This book provides an indispensable learning tool for those wishing to encourage children's eye contact and facial expression, improve their spatial awareness and language skills and introduce them to imaginative play.

Understanding Autistic Relationship Across the Lifespan is an accessible overview of autistic relationships from the early years through to old age. This much-needed book combines the latest research findings with first-hand accounts to offer insight into the relationships of autistic people and how they differ to those of non-autistic people in a range of ways. Felicity Sedgewick and Sarah Douglas delve into life's stages and their challenges, revealing how navigating relationships can lead to misunderstandings, rejection, and trauma - but also to genuine connection, support, and joy. Illustrated throughout with extracts from interviews, and with extended narratives from Sarah, it explores key topics including: Relationships in the early years, childhood friendships, teenage friendships and romance, adult romantic and sexual relationships, LGBTQ+ relationships, finding community, family relationships, and issues in the later stages of life. The authors explore a wide range of emotions and life situations, examining the social world of autistic people and the strategies they use to navigate it. Understanding Autistic Relationship Across the Lifespan offers practical recommendations for both autistic and non-autistic people on how to have the healthiest and most satisfying relationships possible. It is essential reading for all those working with autistic people and studying autism, as well as autistic individuals and those close to them.

The fifth edition of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Advancing Positive Practices in Education provides readers with a comprehensive and accessible understanding of current research and evidence-based practices in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), linking research, theory, and practice. This new edition includes new chapters on trauma and co-morbidity, current trends in autism research, social media, neurodiversity, and aging in people with ASD. It also features updated content on international contexts and culturally sustaining and relevant practices. Aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, this text continues to be critical reading for students and researchers in special and inclusive education programs.

* The main themes look at describing AutPlay Therapy, the phases of therapy, the primary target areas, assessment procedures, intake and other therapy forms, and play therapy interventions to address therapy goals * Describes how to work with children across the spectrum with various presentations. The AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is described which explains how to work with children who have limited or no engagement ability. Additional issues are also coved such as using AutPlay Therapy to address regulation and trauma issues, and the use of technology in AutPlay Therapy * Empowers the therapist to confidence and effectiveness in working with the autistic and neurodiverse populations

Includes 29 newly written chapters from scholars and activists around the world. First book to provide an overview of Critical Autism Studies and explore the different kinds of knowledges and their articulations, similarities and differences across cultural contexts and key tensions within this sub-discipline. Of interest to all scholars and students of disability studies, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, education, health, social care and political science as well as members of the autistic community and activists.

No matter what you teach, there is a 100 Ideas title for you! The 100 Ideas series offers teachers practical, easy-to-implement strategies and activities for the classroom. Each author is an expert in their field and is passionate about sharing best practice with their peers. Each title includes at least ten additional extra-creative Bonus Ideas that won't fail to inspire and engage all learners. 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Supporting Pupils with Autism is an essential resource filled with tried-and-tested ideas to best support the learning and development of pupils on the autism spectrum, in both mainstream and special schools. The reported incidence of autism has risen dramatically in recent decades and the agenda for 'inclusion' has necessitated a greater understanding of autism in primary schools. However, already stretched school budgets mean that staff are often unable to access courses for further training in this area. Francine Brower uses her extensive experience and expertise to present 100 practical ideas to enhance learning and development by focusing on the needs of the individual pupil. This dip-in-and-out book offers ways to enable teachers to better understand autism and how they can create a more supportive learning environment. There are also strategies to help children develop their communication and social skills, and become more confident and independent as individuals.