Learn how to stop a meltdown! This book offers tried-and-true solutions to minimize and circumvent the often frightening circumstances that surround the cycle of meltdowns, not only for the child with autism, but others in the environment as well. A highly practical and user-friendly resource, High-Functioning Autism and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Meltdowns (4th edition) describes the three-stage cycle of a meltdown and identifies the evidence-based strategies that should be used at each stage. In addition, this book outlines how to prevent the occurrence of meltdowns through instruction, interpretation, and coaching. The author of this very practical book takes the reader through the stages of the cycle and emphasizes the importance of utilizing systematic instruction and teachable moments before and after a meltdown. The book also notes that (a) meltdowns are not purposeful and (b) instruction is needed in order for them to stop. Readers will appreciate the practical steps that are given to complete this journey successfully.

Children and youth with high-functioning autism (HFA) and related exceptionalities have great potential. However, all too often their abilities are not realized. Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities provides easy-to-implement ideas and suggestions that teachers can use to help a student with HFA and related needs on the road to success. The book discusses how teachers can adjust the classroom to meet the needs of an individual with HFA while not interfering with normal classroom routines. Not boggled down with jargon, this book includes tables and boxes for quick reference and clear meaning for HFA-related information. Also included is information about what can cause anxiety for the student on the spectrum, how this can lead to decreased academic and social performance, decreased attention to task, and potential increases in behavior problems, and what the teacher can do to assist. With easy-to-implement suggestions, these simple strategies help all kids learn and make a difference in the life of somebody with high-functioning autism.

Excelling with Autism: Obtaining Critical Mass Using Deliberate Practice introduces a new way to optimize the progress of learners with ASD. Reaching critical mass helps learners apply information in new ways - spontaneous generalization. This book is about doing things differently to positively impact individuals on the spectrum by supporting the development of critical mass in areas that are necessary for successful functioning in home, work, and community using the research-based elements of deliberate practice. In this book, the four elements of deliberate practice -- developing specific goals, ensuring focus, moving out of the comfort zone, and communicating outcomes -- are applied to teaching social, communication, and daily living skills. Critical mass and the related science of deliberate practice will change the life course of individuals with ASD. Incorporating the elements of deliberate practice is a critical step toward helping individuals with ASD to reach their unlimited potential.

Adults on the spectrum often have difficulty getting and keeping a job that is unrelated to their job skills. This practical and easy-to-use book provides necessary yet often untaught information on a variety of topics related to getting a job, finding a mentor, networking, using agencies, interviewing, talking with supervisors, dealing with on-the-job-frustrations, understanding the social rules at work and many other topics. Authored by two individuals on the spectrum who have extensive experience in helping others become employed, Judy Endow and Malcolm Mayfield, as well as Brenda Smith Myles, an internationally known writer and speaker on autism spectrum disorders.

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.

This system allows educators to understand how to implement an instructional programme for students with ASD. Known as CAPS, the model answers common questions about finding the right supports to fit a child's learning style in order to help him reach his full potential. Used with The Ziggurat Model, CAPS enables educators and other professionals to address adequate yearly progress (AYP), response to intervention (RTI), and positive behaviour support (PBS). This expanded second edition of CAPS adds important new material on technical assistance/consultation as well as up-to-date considerations of current mandates and trends that support CAPS use, including a major focus on evidence-based practices.

Get off to a good start. Learn sensible, solid strategies that can be put into practice with children on the autism spectrum right away. "Starting Points: The Basics of Understanding and Supporting Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome" offers a variety of strategies and visual supports that help children on the spectrum such as: who have difficulty with abstract concepts and thoughts; who have difficulty understanding and regulating emotions; who have difficulty recognizing, interpreting, and empathizing with the emotions of others; who find it easier to answer questions with choices versus open-ended questions; need cues for how and when to transition from an activity or place to the next; and, much more. Starting from the premise that no two individuals with AS are the same, Hudson and Myles provide a global perspective of how the core characteristics of AS may appear separately and/or simultaneously, and how they may manifest themselves in a variety of situations. Each characteristic is then paired with a brief explanation, followed by a series of bulleted interventions.

Designed for classroom teachers in inclusive settings, this book presents strategies for working with students with Asperger Syndrome. AS is a disorder in the autism spectrum, and students with AS suffer from similar, though milder, symptoms as students with autism. It is often considered a social disability, though one of its most notable differences with autism is that most students with AS do develop verbal language skills. The book provides over 50 research-based strategies for teachers, including guidance on transition planning and using technology, and tips for working with support staff.

'Autism Spectrum Disorders presents the best validation criteria we currently have to offer children with ASD, and provides a blueprint for future work in this area. A long overdue wake-up call to the field, and one that is highly recommended.' - Gary Sasso, Chairperson, Department of Curriculum and Instruction , University of Iowa 'This excellent compendium will prove invaluable for anyone who wants to identify and evaluate commonly used treatments and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.' - Juane Heflin, Associate Professor, Georgia State University How can you best help a child with autism reach their full potential? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) present a perplexing challenge for parents and school professionals. Literally dozens of interventions and treatments are available, so how does one know which intervention strategy works best for any given child or situation? This essential new resource, Autism Spectrum Disorders, was developed to respond directly to the extraordinary difficulty school professionals and families face in selecting and applying appropriate, effective interventions and treatments for the children in their care. The information is presented in a straightforward and simple format, practical for finding clear answers to complex questions. For easy access, the book is organized into the following five intervention categories-Interpersonal Relationships, Skill-Based Treatment Programs, Cognitive Methods, Physiological/Biological/Neurological Approaches, and Other Treatments and Interventions. Each category contains several detailed reviews, including: " A description of the intervention or treatment " Reported benefits and effects associated with its use " A synthesis of how the outcomes relate to individuals with ASD " A discussion of who is best qualified to implement it, including when and where " Potential costs and risks Comprehensive in scope, this resource briefly evaluates over 40 commonly used and purported interventions and treatments for individuals with ASD, as well as detailed evaluations of their utility and efficiency. It will assist readers in critically evaluating and choosing those methods that have the highest probability of yielding benefits for this special population.