Over 500,000 people of all ages in the UK have disorders in the autistic spectrum. About one-third also have varying degrees of learning difficulty. All of them have impairment of social interaction, communication and imagination - to them the world appears a bewildering and sometimes frightening place. This guide explains how people with autism experience the world and why they need an organized, structured environment. Ways of improving communication, developing abilities and enlarging social interaction are described, and advice is given on coping with stresses within the family.

We use the word all the time, but what exactly is self-esteem, and how do young people develop it? Feeling Like Crap explores how a young person's self is constructed, and what might really help that self to feel more valued and confident. Through accounts of his individual and group work with young people, Nick Luxmoore demonstrates how listening to, engaging with and being respectful of young people can provide the support they need to help them repair their sense of self and offer them new possibilities and directions in life. When Grace was three, her parents split up and she went to live with her father while her sister stayed with their mother. Allie has slipped behind with her school work since falling out with her best friend, and any positive feelings about himself that Conor may have dared to develop have been beaten out of him by his father. This compassionate and thought-provoking book will be an invaluable resource for counsellors, teachers, youth workers, and anyone else working to help young people with self-esteem issues.

This book provides a comprehensive outline of the major parent training programs for parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parents or primary caregivers spend the most time with a child, and training them in behaviour management and intervention strategies is critical to improving a child's behaviour, to helping them to learn new skills, and to reduce parental stress. Authored by eminent specialists in the field and written for researchers and clinicians supporting or treating families, each chapter focuses on one of the key evidence-based parent training programs - from Incredible Years (R) and Positive Family Intervention through to Pivotal Response Treatment and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Each chapter provides a breakdown that features an introduction to the model, evidence for the model, a full description of the model, a discussion of implementation and dissemination efforts, and concluding comments. Grounded in research, this definitive overview provides the evidence and guidance required for anyone considering investing in or running a parenting program.

This book provides an introduction to the autism spectrum and explores some of the theories and research which help in understanding the characteristics of young children who may be on the autism spectrum and the likely impact on their development and learning. It offers in-depth information on some of the key features which can lead to a child being diagnosed with autism and discusses the diversity of the spectrum, as well as presenting information on available screening tools. The book considers the main areas of difficulties that children with autism display - social interaction, social communication, and imagination and play - and explores the role that early years practitioners have in supporting the child and helping them to develop appropriate communication and social skills. As well as advice on key aspects of early years practice such as working with parents, other professionals and preparing the children for the move to primary school, there are specific chapters on the pertinent aspects of behaviour and sensory issues. Each chapter includes reflective activities which enable you to apply the information within your own context. Key points and further sources of information are indicated at the end of each chapter, helping you to check your understanding and expand your knowledge on specific topics.With its practical strategies for supporting children with autism during the early years, this book is key reading for students studying early years or special education, as well as for practitioners working with children on the autism spectrum in early years settings. "This is a timely and very practical book addressed to all those working in early years settings who are working with, or who will be working with, children on the autism spectrum (i.e. all staff in any early years setting). It gives clear and authoritative information on current understanding of the autism spectrum, and draws on a wide range of literature to do so, while being written in a clear direct style that should be accessible to all. It would also be of benefit to family members who want to understand their child and how to best work with the systems and services they encounter. The book is realistic about the challenges but is also full of practical positive suggestions which respect the contribution of all to enabling effective practice: staff in the early years setting, support services, the family and, not least, the children themselves." Professor Rita Jordan BSc.MSc.MA.PhD.C.Psychol.AFBPS.OBEEmeritus Professor in Autism Studies,University of Birmingham, UK"Early years practitioners are absolutely vital partners in recognising autism and in adjusting their practice in response to the needs of children with autism. The impact they can make on families and outcomes for children is immeasurable, therefore a book like this which gives a mixture of practical strategies underpinned by evidence is a wonderful tool. With a prevalence rate of 1 in 100 all early years practitioners will encounter young children with autism in their careers. The difference they can make by being able to recognise the condition, support families and adapt their practice is immeasurable. This clear and easy to read book will be a real boon to all early years practitioners." Carol Povey, Director of the Centre for Autism, National Autistic Society"Understanding Autism in Early Years is a clearly written and very useful book. Early years practitioners will find it helpful for recognising the signs of autism spectrum conditions in young children, working with families, and adapting their practice in ways that will help those they care for learn and develop." Dr Mitzi WaltzSenior Lecturer in Autism, Sheffield Hallam University, UK

Raising awareness and understanding of autism has school-wide benefits, such as helping to improve the attitudes of pupils and staff and allowing children with autism to thrive socially, emotionally and educationally alongside their peers. This comprehensive resource provides a whole school programme for raising autism awareness and promoting inclusion. It includes training for staff in the knowledge and skills they need to support pupils, a sample school assembly, and lesson plans for teaching groups of pupils to be 'autism champions'. This programme also offers photocopiable worksheets and online presentations to use as part of the staff training, school assembly and peer awareness lessons. There is advice for involving children with autism and their parents in school activities. Easily adaptable for different age groups, this is a ready-made resource for schools committed to promoting autism awareness and whole school welfare.

Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Now you can bring ABA best practices into any early childhood setting with this book-your complete guide to using ABA within everyday routines to support children's learning, participation, and development. Ideal for use with children birth to five, this practical, reader-friendly guidebook is the first to combine ABA with natural environment intervention, the widely used, research-supported approach to meeting the needs of children with disabilities. You'll learn the fundamental principles and research behind ABA and natural environment intervention, and you'll get one clear and practical framework for conducting effective assessment of behaviour, skills, routines, and caregiver priorities setting meaningful goals that increase the child's active participation in routines addressing the goals with tailored ABA teaching procedures creating powerful intervention plans that support children in specific developmental domains and routines selecting an appropriate data collection method monitoring progress toward goals and making adjustments as needed ensuring consistent implementation of ABA interventions coaching other professionals and caregivers in the ABA approach. To get you started with ABA, the book gives you 25 sample teaching plans that strengthen communication, social interaction, positive behaviour, independent play and daily living skills, cognitive skills, and participation in everyday routines. Vivid, realistic case studies of diverse children walk you through the ABA process from start to finish. And with the blank forms and data sheets, you'll easily assess children's skills and participation and monitor their progress toward goals. With this comprehensive guide to a proven intervention approach, you'll help young children with ASD and other disabilities make lasting improvements and participate fully at home, at school, and in their community.