This book includes a short, easy-to-read theoretical background to ASD focusing on the underlying impairments and their impact on sensory processing, motor development, play, language and communication skills, social skills, emotional development and behaviour for the relevant age group. Each developmental area is intrinsically linked and progress in one aspect of development is dependent on progress in another so a multi-disciplinary approach is essential. All the books examine the role of various individual professionals while emphasising the need to develop a multi-disciplinary approach combining their areas of expertise. The book also describes a multi-disciplinary approach to groupwork providing practical advice and photocopiable resources to enable readers to: assess individual needs; organise groups (including group members, venue and transport); set individual group targets; plan group sessions (examples of activities for each developmental area are provided); and, evaluate progress. It offers ideas for developing good teamwork, including peer review, and working towards a trans-disciplinary approach where professionals can step into each others' roles where appropriate. This title features 256pp, A4, and it is wire-o-bound. It is suitable for children of ages 11-16.

"Groupwork for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 3-5" is the first of three books promoting a multidisciplinary approach to working with children on the autism spectrum. The author team of speech & language therapists and occupational therapists have used their experience of working together in this way to create a practical resource for professionals working with children with ASD in small groups. The book aims to develop the children's skills in seven key areas of development: Communication & language; Socialisation; Play; Sensory; Motor; Behaviour; and, Emotional. Case studies, working examples, photocopiable checklists, assessment forms and session sheets are provided for group facilitators to: assess individual needs; set individual targets; create personalised programmes; plan & run group sessions; evaluate progress; and, carry out peer reviews. Forty photocopiable activities, differentiated according to the developmental area being targeted as well as the developmental level of the child, are also included. "Groupwork for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 3-5" provides an invaluable resource for speech & language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, play therapists, family therapists, teachers, support staff and all those working to develop the children's skills in small groups. Parents and carers are actively encouraged to participate in groupwork with their child. 'I enjoyed joining in the group and being part of my child's therapy'.