Friendship requires hard work even for the most able, and the odds are heavily stacked against those with an autism spectrum disorder. Designed for younger children, aged between 2 and 8, this set of activities emphasises foundation skills such as social referencing, regulating behaviour, coversational reciprocity and synchronized actions.;This volume is also available as a set with "Relationship Development Intervention with Children, Adolescents and Adults" (ISBN 1-84310-720-1).

Steve Gutstein, a psychologist and autism specialist, has dedicated his life to bridging the social gap between children with autism and the rest of us. The result of his efforts is an innovative program--Relational Development Intervention--that takes social skills teaching to the next level. First you'll learn about the social development pathway of neurotypical children and the life-changing detour taken by children on the autism spectrum. The Gutstein takes you beyond theory and describes practical ways to steer children with autism onto a path of self discovery and social awareness, one that will ultimately bring them home to meaningful friendships, shared emotions, and heartfelt connection with the people in their lives. Helpful sections include: Experience Sharing Autism: Life Without Experience Sharing Relational Development Intervention Principles of Treatment Laying the Foundation for Relational Development Becoming an Apprentice You & Me: Working Together as Partners Sharing Our Worlds Sharing Our Minds: The Inner Game True Friends