This book constitutes a clear, comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the basic principles of psychological and educational assessment that underlie effective clinical decisions about childhood language disorders. Rebecca McCauley describes specific commonly used tools, as well as general approaches ranging from traditional standardized norm-referenced testing to more recent ones, such as dynamic and qualitative assessment. Highlighting special considerations in testing and expected patterns of performance, she reviews the challenges presented by children with a variety of problems--specific language impairment, hearing loss, mental retardation, and autism spectrum disorders. Three extended case examples illustrate her discussion of each of these target groups. Her overarching theme is the crucial role of well-formed questions as fundamental guides to decision making, independent of approach.
Each chapter features lists of key concepts and terms, study questions, and recommended readings. Tables throughout offer succinct summaries and aids to memory.
Students, their instructors, and speech-language pathologists continuing their professional education will all welcome this invaluable new resource.
Distinctive features include:
* a comprehensive consideration of both psychometric and descriptive approaches to the characterization of children's language;
* a detailed discussion of background issues important in the language assessment of the "major" groups of children with language impairment;
* timely information on assessment of change--a topic frequently not covered in other texts;
* extensive guidance on how to evaluate individualnorm-referenced measures for adoption;
* an extensive appendix listing about 50 measures used to assess language in children; and
* a test review guide that can be reproduced for use by readers.

To work effectively with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), SLPs and other practitioners need in-depth knowledge on choosing and implementing interventions for communication and social challenges. The second edition of this bestselling textbook gives professionals the foundation they need to evaluate and compare today’s widely used interventions—and determine which ones will promote the best outcomes for the people they serve. The newest volume in the respected Communication and Language Intervention Series, this accessible text combines the expertise of more than 30 top autism authorities across multiple disciplines and specialties, including psychology, speech-language pathology, early intervention, special education, and AAC. Readers will get a thorough introduction to 14 evidence-based interventions, complete with key details on each intervention’s theoretical and empirical basis, components, practical requirements, applications for both children and adults, and considerations for children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Twelve video clips (available for streaming) illustrate the interventions in action, and highly relevant learning activities prepare SLPs and other practitioners to make sound decisions in scenarios they’re likely to encounter in the field. WHAT’S NEW: New chapter on assessment for treatment planning and progress monitoring New chapter on language and communication strengths and challenges often seen in children with ASD New in-depth profiles of three interventions not covered in the last edition: the Early Start Denver Model, The SCERTS® Model, and Social Skills Interventions Videos to demonstrate the newly added interventions Updates to reflect the DSM-5, which includes significant changes to the definition of ASD and new diagnostic criteria More information on inclusive practices Expanded discussion on working with children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds A sample syllabus that demonstrates how faculty can integrate this book into a course Helpful new supplementary resource, Case Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder, available for purchase as a bundle with the textbook COVERS 14 INTERVENTIONS: Augmentative and Alternative Communication Strategies • The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) • Discrete Trial Instruction • The Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) Model • Functional Communication Training • The JASPER Model • Enhanced Milieu Teaching • Early Social Interaction • Peer-Mediated Support Interventions • Pivotal Response Treatment • The SCERTS® Model • Social Skills Interventions • Social Stories™ • Video Modeling GET THE BUNDLE: Buy this textbook as a bundle with its new companion casebook, Case Studies for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through 14 realistic cases, readers will explore the types of clinical challenges they may face, see what the experts would recommend, and get exercises to help them practice their decision-making skills.

Ideal for preparing SLPs and other clinicians to make sound decisions, this casebook gives readers in-depth, real world demonstrations of today's evidence-based interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Developed as a companion to the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder textbook-but equally useful as a standalone casebook-this resource offers 14 realistic case studies that walk readers through common clinical challenges and help them hone their planning and problem-solving skills. Aligned with the 14 intervention chapters in the companion text, the case studies each include: A complete profile of the child's strengths and needs, with a special focus on communication and social skills An overview of assessment practices that inform communication treatment planning A discussion of the clinical problem-solving processes used to identify treatment goals and strategies An intervention plan used to achieve the child's goals, with details on implementation and modifications A report on the child's outcomes A set of learning activities to help readers apply their knowledge A one-of-a-kind practical resource developed by clinical experts, this casebook will help both current and future professionals understand today's widely used autism interventions-and prepare to implement them effectively in their own practice. GET THE BUNDLE: Buy this casebook as a bundle with its companion textbook, Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition. The new edition of this essential text gives SLPs the foundation they need to evaluate, select, and implement 14 of today's widely used interventions.