The first comprehensive guide to helping teens with autism--from the acclaimed authors of Overcoming Autism
With an estimated half a million Americans under twenty-six on the autism spectrum, this book offers the reassurance, solace, and practical solutions that so many people are searching for. Following up on their work in "Overcoming Autism," which offered advice for teaching young children on the spectrum, Lynn Koegel and Claire LaZebnik now present strategies for working with teens and young adults living with this complex condition. Addressing universal parental concerns, from first crushes and a changing body to how to succeed in college and beyond, "Growing Up on the Spectrum" is a beacon of hope and wisdom for parents, therapists, and educators alike.

This strategy-packed resource demonstrates how people with challenging behavior can be fully included at home, at school, and in the community. Based on solid research, it offers state-of-the-art intervention techniques and explores the planning and assistance needed to implement nonaversive inclusion strategies. Compelling case studies that illustrate successful integration make this person- and family-centered book essential for everyone involved with people with difficult behavior.

What is Pivotal Response Treatment? What's the research behind it, what does it look like in practice, and what are some good examples of how to use it? Now one concise book gives professionals and parents all the basics of the widely used PRT -- one of a select group of highly effective, evidence-based treatments for autism. A great resource for educators, behaviour specialists, early interventionists, SLPs, occupational therapists, and families, this reader-friendly pocket guide is the perfect introduction to PRT, the popular approach that uses natural learning opportunities to modify pivotal areas of behaviour. Pioneering autism experts Robert and Lynn Koegel speak directly to the reader, demystifying PRT and clearly explaining why it leads to widespread and rapid progress for children. Filled with helpful tips and many practical examples based on actual children, the book reveals the key principles behind motivating children with natural reinforcers reducing disruptive behaviour encouraging communication and social initiations developing a challenging curriculum that helps children make progress assessing children meaningfully in natural environments closely collaborating with parents on goals and interventions helping families weave interventions into everyday routines ensuring that children generalise skills to other settings decreasing parents' stress and offering positive support Throughout the book, the Koegels engage readers with down-to-earth guidance based on best practice, true stories from their decades of experience with children and families, and clear explanations of what the research says about PRT. And the end-of-chapter questions for teachers, therapists, and parents reinforce key points and prepare them for effective PRT implementation. An essential first step in PRT training and a must-have for every member of a child's support team, this quick and practical introduction will get everyone on board with PRT and equip them with the fundamentals they need to use it in the real world.

"THE guide for getting the best life possible for your child...invaluable."
-Dr. Phil McGraw
As an individual rights attorney and parent of an autistic child herself, Areva Martin shares clear, step-by-step instructions on how parents can assert themselves-with doctors, teachers, school officials, neighbors, or even family members-and get the best results for their child. Practical and inspiring, with personal stories from other parents of autistic children, "The Everyday Advocate" offers real-world actions that work and teaches parents the skills to become better advocates for their children.

One of the most respected and widely used autism interventions, Pivotal Response Treatment uses natural learning opportunities to modify key behaviors in children—leading to widespread positive effects on communication, behavior, and social skills. Now the pioneering experts behind PRT have created a comprehensive modern guide to this research-based approach, completely reworked and revised for today’s therapists, educators, and parents. Use the proven PRT approach to • advance children’s communication and language skills, even in extremely challenging cases • aid early identification and intervention • improve children’s motivation and performance in school • foster friendships with peers during play dates and other social interactions • increase positive behavior by combining functional assessment and self-management strategies • decrease disruptive behavior • help young adults make a smooth transition to college, career, and community life Strengthened with new research and more step-by-step guidance, this bestselling PRT guide is now reorganized to support children on their whole developmental trajectory, from infancy through adulthood. New and revised chapters cover critical topics (see sidebar), and the book’s down-to-earth, accessible style ensures that all readers can grasp PRT principles and apply them effectively. With this proven approach backed by more than 25 years of research, professionals and families will support children with autism as they enjoy more positive interactions, more effective communication, and higher academic achievement.