Sometimes, all a student needs to succeed is a friend. Every day, thousands of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) struggle to stay afloat at school-sometimes bullied, often ostracized. Mastering academics can be hard enough without the added challenge of navigating social situations that neurotypical kids take for granted. If students with ASD had a peer to model and reinforce socially appropriate behavior and coach them through schoolwork, it could help them feel at home in the student population. This inspirational new book describes how to set up just such a peer-mentoring organization in your school or community. With a clear understanding of the needs of students with ASD and the kids who will be their guides, Kukoff provides: Steps for organizing and implementing your own Autism Ambassadors program Clear-cut guidelines on the responsibilities of student "ambassadors," plus peer-support strategies to improve the ambassador experience More than a hundred specific interventions any student can employ with students with ASD A path for students with ASD to become Autism Ambassadors themselves Based on the methodology of Applied Behavior Analysis-the gold standard in autism intervention-but created and led by students, the Autism Ambassadors curriculum will promote leadership and improve the school experience for all students. "This book makes a distinct contribution by providing a different view of how to support students with autism. As the number of people with autism is increasing, creating awareness and supports across larger groups of people is important." -Mary Reeve, Educator Gallup McKinley County Schools, NM "This is an amazing idea from a young innovator! This manual is a great contribution, not only to the field of professionals, but to future providers as well." -Kate Boone, Case Manager MHMRA Harris County, Houston, TX
Improving Learning Through Dynamic Assessment is a practical tool for helping to assess and support children aged 4+ with learning challenges based on an innovative approach.Contrasting with traditional 'static' assessment methods, this resource enables educational psychologists and related professionals to involve the child actively in the ......
How a Young Boy and His Mother Deal with the Challenges and Joys of Being Eleven, Brilliant and Socially Absent
'Every year I read several manuscripts written by mothers about having a child with Asperger's syndrome. The quality of manuscripts varies considerably. As soon as I started to read 'Living Your Best Life with Asperger's syndrome' I knew it was going to be one of my favourite biographies. I was entranced by Karra's descriptions of her son's intellectual abilities, his perspective on life and sense of humour. The anecdotes illustrate aspects of Asperger's syndrome perfectly. Professionals will have the 'Ah ha!' moment, as the descriptions of events and conversations are consistent with the theoretical models of Asperger's syndrome. Both parents and professionals need to read this book, and then other children with Asperger's syndrome will indeed live a better life' - Professor Tony Attwood 'This book is a worthwhile read and written in a very positive way. Many professionals will find the anecdotes evocative and perhaps illumination. There are also useful and practical tips and ideas noted throughout the book. I would happily recommend it to parents, especially those who are in the early days, post diagnosis and looking for information, ideas and a positive perspective' - Alison Leask, Chair of Autism, Argyll, Scotland Effectively accommodating the social and academic needs of children on the autistic spectrum is an important task in every school. This book is a practical guide to benefit parents, teachers, Local Education Authorities and international autism organisations. Each chapter provides a summary followed by anecdotal stories that illustrate a point, describing how a young boy navigates his way through the social challenges that he faces every day. Issues covered include: o diagnosis and recognizing the difference; o providing support and understanding; o communication; o concrete thinking. The focus of the writing is how to live your best life despite your difference. The book describes the problems and pain Karra faced as her son changed and encountered difficulties at every stage. She also demonstrates her resilience and determination and the book is a celebration of her son and their relationship. 'This is a very accessible book which would be helpful to parents and teachers meeting autism for the first time. The book charts a success story and as such should make an encouraging read. This would be well worth having a parents' group or staff room library.' - Special
This concise and practical guide thoroughly presents the characteristics of children with specific mild exceptionalities in today's diverse classroom. Using an active, problem-solving approach that reflects how today's students learn, Dr. Sydney S. Zentall identifies the characteristics of children with mild exceptionalities that can be gleaned from observations, written descriptions, and personal interactions. Unlike many texts on this topic, which overwhelm students with extraneous information, The text focuses on the characteristics of these students within general education and special class settings. With this knowledge readers will better understand the implications of characteristics for accommodations and be ready to apply this knowledge with empirically based interventions.
Teach your students learning strategies that will last a lifetime! The pressure is on special and general education teachers alike. If we're to ensure that adolescents with mild disabilities achieve the very same gains as their peers, we must first teach them how to learn. Here's a one-stop guide for getting started, pairing the very best instructional methods with assessments and IEP goals so all students can be independent learners. Driven by research, this indispensible resource features: Evidence-based strategies for teaching vocabulary, reading, written language, math, and science, as well as study skills, textbook skills, and self-regulation Clear presentation that describes strategies in context Informal assessments for every content area or skill addressed Case studies that link assessment results, IEP goals, and learning strategies Application activities with questions and suggested responses Whether you teach in an inclusive, resource, or self-contained setting, there's no better guide for teaching your students learning strategies that will last a lifetime.
An Insider's Guide to Understanding the Autism Spectrum, the Environment and Your Role
Gunilla Gerland's extensive personal and professional experience of the autism spectrum means she is expertly placed to offer a fresh perspective on working with autism as well as a wealth of effective tools and interventions to use in practice.In a highly readable style, with many inspiring examples, this book offers original explanations of the ......
Adopting a predominantly psychological approach, this book provides carers with up-to-date information and resources to provide appropriately individualised care to people with learning disabilities who self-injure.Understanding and Working with People with Learning Disabilities who Self-Injure synthesises traditional (behavioural) and newer ......
'This toolkit is the student's safety net offering user friendly, down to earth advice and real life skills that have been tried and tested by the author' -Dr John Schneider, Educational Psychologist, Edinburgh 'This is exactly how I felt starting university ...a wonderful and very helpful book full of interesting and useful hints and tips on how to survive university as a dyslexic student. It doesn't make you feel silly or stupid but makes you feel you can achieve what you set out to do' -Sharon Patterson, Adult Nursing student, Edinburgh Napier University 'You realize you're in the hands of a professional who has taught thousands of students how to succeed at university' -Holly Pellicer, Dyslexia Advisor, University of Oslo Packed with helpful advice, checklists and templates, this book will help you improve your study skills throughout your time at university. Written in a straightforward, no- nonsense style, the guidance can be broken down into manageable chunks. Issues covered include: @! procrastination @! planning your assignment @! understanding your essay question @! researching, writing and referencing your written work @! managing your own well-being. Drawing on years of experience running study skills workshops in higher education, Monica Gribben has written an accessible book for students with dyslexia that shows how to work through the challenges that studying presents. The companion Website www.sagepub.co.uk/gribben has podcasts, worksheets and electronic resources to support each chapter. Monica Gribben is a private dyslexia consultant and Dyslexia Adviser at Edinburgh Napier University.
Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders gathers and organizes the most recent information in this important and rapidly expanding field into a clinically useful volume that will enable clinicians, patients, and families to understand these disorders and make sound treatment decisions in light of recent research.
