Audra K. Jensen' son began reading when he was only two years old. She shares her experiences -- both the challenges and joys - of raising a child with autism and hyperlexia - an early and obsessive interest in the written word associated with social deficits and significant difficulty in understanding verbal language. The author stresses the importance of diagnosis of the condition for successful implementation of effective teaching strategies and encouragement of more typical childhood development. As well as useful advice, this guide provides a comprehensive reading curriculum specially designed for young, challenged children to help promote their reading ability. When Babies Read also offers practical suggestions on how to modify teaching and therapy programmes to suit a child's individual learning style, how to create and use social stories with the hyperlexic child, and how to obtain an appropriate education for the hyperlexic child. A chapter dedicated to the older child with hyperlexia includes strategies for dealing with entrenched behaviours and attitudes. This practical guide will prove invaluable for parents of children with autism and hyperlexia.

The contributors to this topical volume explore the role of family support in promoting the welfare of children and their families. They show how children can be supported in the development of their full potential despite adverse experiences. Family support enables children to access the variety of resources available to them in the multiplicity of contexts in which they live.;This book integrates concepts and experiences from an international perspective, different levels of analysis (society, community and family) and different loci of intervention (education, social services and local government). Specific areas covered include: principles of family and social support; social networks and social change in the family and the community; reciprocal; support between families,schools and the community; restoring the balance of control between parents and children; supporting young people who misuse drugs.;"Family Support" presents current knowledge about family support and sets out directions for future developments in thinking and service provision. It shows how an understanding of the complexity and potential of family support can inform and enrich the work of educators, professio