'This resource will be very valuable for professionals planning in-service training to assist settings to develop as Autistic Spectrum Disorder-friendly environments...the training would also help all settings become truly inclusive and friendly for all children and young people' - Special Children Includes CD-Rom A growing number of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are educated in mainstream settings. To support them effectively and maximise their learning potential, it is essential that all school staff fully understand their needs. This complete training package can be delivered during staff meetings and on INSET days, to ensure autism-friendly practice throughout the school. This toolkit demonstrates the value of using self-evaluation tools to improve services and includes: - a CD Rom with PowerPoint slides - guidance on how best to deliver INSET - activities and case studies to facilitate discussion - discussions of issues for consideration in relation to School Access Plans and the Disability Equality Duty - advice on useful resources, literature and web sites. Teachers, SENCOs and management staff in primary and secondary schools will find this an essential training resource.

'An extremely helpful, compact guide for anyone working in early years education... provides clear information for all professionals who work with children from birth to five with autistic spectrum disorders... A short, accessible and reader-friendly book that addresses the key issues' - Nursery Education Looking at the early years of a child's life, this book provides information on the services that are available for those from birth to five years, and addresses issues related to identification, assessment, teaching and learning and family support. It is illustrated with case studies provided by parents and practitioners. The following areas are discussed: o the Code of Practice for SEN & the SEN and Disability Discrimination Act o identification and assessment o good practice examples of multi-agency collaboration and provision o partnership with parents o social skills and behaviour o alternative intervention and home-based programmes o the transition from pre-school to school. Professionals in Health, Social Services and Education, pre-school playgroups, nursery staff, parents and carers will all find this book useful. Conference Information The Good Autism Practice (GAP) conference is based on the successful foundations of the Good Autism Practice (GAP) journal, which provides a platform for acknowledging and sharing good practice in autism.

`I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It will be a welcome resource and the generator of much fruitful discussion' - Good Autism Practice `The highly readable, accessible writing style and visually clear presentation allow the reader to dip in frequently to build up knowledge by accretion...This is an excellent book, ideal for those both new to working with people with ASD and also more experienced practitioners' - Special magazine Individuals with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) have difficulty in communicating and socializing. They perceive the world in a very different way to most people, and often find the behaviour of those around them confusing and unfair. This book examines the concerns around inappropriate social behaviour that those living and working with children and adults face on a day-to-day basis. It discusses preventative measures and intervention strategies, and uses real-life case studies to illustrate these. Issues covered include: " an overview of what difficulties might be encountered at different stages in life " strategies that can be used to alleviate the problems " how to recognize triggers and create stress-free environments " hints and tips for those living and working with individuals with ASDs.

'I liked the way it dealt with the difficult issues such as mental health, sexuality and future employment in a clear and direct way, providing well thought out, practical responses.' 'Easy to read yet informative.' 'Very accessible in an area of SEN that is now a key area of concern.' ' Captivating, good presentation with the case studies, reflective oasis and points to remember.' 'Very useful for Sencos and teachers.' - Judging Panel for NASEN/TES Book Award 'There can be no doubt that the action suggested by the authors to improve outcomes for pupils with ASD, would benefit the inclusion of all pupils' - Special Needs Information Press 'The book gives a clear insight into some of the issues which are important from the perspective of the pupil, the challenges they face and the behaviours that can result. It openly addresses the impact of these behaviours on a school and offers clear guidance and strategies. The options given are realistic, practical and achievable and the Reflective Oasis sections offer an ideal starting point for self-evaluation and staff training' - Mike Ridout, Head of Access and Inclusion Service, Bridgend LEA 'All those involved in education at secondary level including senior managers and governors will find this concise book informative in helping them to understand the needs of their pupils with ASD' - Ian Attfield, Advisory Teacher ASD, Birmingham Specialist Support Service 'The book not only gives sound advice, it helps the reader to find a wider range of sources of support and information... a useful, practical guide that makes the organisation of inclusive education achievable' - Special 'The book does have a number of useful strategies and tips, but it provides more than just a list of practical points. Support staff are encouraged to reflect upon their own practice and that of their school... The book is well worth buying and should appeal both to support workers and their managers' - Support For Learning 'The book fills a niche by distilling and providing information to busy teachers... an important little book that is quite readable and may be very useful to its intended audience' - American Psychological Association When a young person with autistic spectrum disorders enters secondary school, there are lots of new factors to consider. This books looks at: " making good transitions from primary school " how to provide helpful INSET for colleagues (including teachers, senior managers, support staff and lunchtime supervisers) " using a special interest as a tool for learning " record-keeping, IEPs and sharing information across the school " subject disapplication and formal examinations " social strategies to employ in a large high school " useful tips for staff - what to do and what not to do " work experience, careers and self-advocacy The importance of working closely with parents is also covered, as is dealing with challenging behaviour. '...the book not only gives sound advice, it helps the reader to find a wider range of sources of support and information...The authors have not sought to minimise the difficulties or to pretend that schools and individuals will not have to change or adapt, nor have they avoided difficult questions. What they have one is to write a useful, practical guide that makes the organisation of inclusive education achievable' - Resource File

'More than just a list of practical points....The book is well worth buying and should appeal both to support workers and their managers' - Secondary School SENCo, London 'This book will be of value to all those who support pupils with an autistic spectrum disorder. However, as it tackles the day-to-day practice of teaching and working with such pupils it should be read by teachers too' - Tess Coll, autism outreach teacher 'There can be no doubt that the action suggested by the authors to improve outcomes for pupils with ASD, would benefit the inclusion of all pupils' - Special Needs Information Press 'This book will be a really useful resource for those supporting children with ASDs in a range of schools, both special and mainstream. It uses case study material collected from experience and discussions with staff, to illustrate dilemmas and strategies. It encourages reflection on practice by posing questions at different points. The book also provides many useful references to published materials and websites for readers to follow up and suggests how support assistants can work to become part of the whole staff team' - Dr Glenys Jones, University of Birmingham Specifically designed to provide information and professional guidance for people working in educational support roles, this book focuses on the work carried out by Teaching Assistants in mainstream primary and secondary schools. The book will give them the tools and awareness to work confidently with pupils from across the autistic spectrum, whilst validating their position within a staff team. Using real-life case studies to illustrate common issues faced by support staff within any educational setting, it recogniszes the often tough situations they find themselves in with pupils, and with other members of staff, and will equip them with many basic strategies that will lead to effective working within their setting. 'The chapters are short and well structured. This book will be of value to all those who support pupils with an autistic spectrum disorder. However, as it tackles the day-to-day practice of teaching and working with such pupils it should be read by teachers too' - Special