`Chris Mitchell was 20 when he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Both his academic success and the horrendous bullying he suffered highlight the mixed blessings of mainstream education for a child with Asperger syndrome. While his eventual success is heartwarming, from today's understanding of Asperger, the ignorance and hostility Mitchell faced throughout his early life are shocking' - TES Extra for Special Needs 'This autobiographical account of a young man's discovery that Asperger's syndrome could explain his early problems and provide light at the end of the tunnel, is both insightful and inspiring. Parents of children with Asperger's syndrome and also older "aspies" will profit from Chris's hard won experience' - Dyslexia Contact '[This] is a straightforward read, full of concrete examples of how Asperger's syndrome affects the individual but at the same time acknowledging that every individual is different. Having experienced first-hand the vulnerability of the adolescent with Asperger's syndrome, desperate to make connections with those around him but constantly being knocked back, I was delighted to read about the friendships [Chris Mitchell] eventually establishes when he takes the brave decision to make contacts through the web and sets out on his travels. I would particularly recommend this book to those with little knowledge of Asperger's syndrome, especially for anyone involved in helping those with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome through further education' - British Journal of Special Education `This book is a 'must-read' for any parents of children with Aspergers syndrome and also older aspies themselves. They will be able to relate to the slightly quirky writing style and profit from Chris's hard won experience. These children are so individualistic and often isolated from like minds, so the book will provide some solace that there are other people like them' - Judith Stansfield, Chair North Richmondshire Community Partnership SEN ICT Consultant NASEN ICT Group BDACC Reviews and Literature Editor `This book shows how one individual with very severe handicaps due to Asperger's Syndrome won through in the end and achieved despite such a poor beginning. This is a book which should be read by anyone who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or feels he or she might have this condition' - Dr L F Lowenstein, National Association Gifted Children Newsletter 'This is an unusual book in that it is written by a man where most autobiographical books about autism are written by women. It is both very readable and well-written, with a detached an honest account of his childhood, family life and life prior to diagnosis. He gets on well with his family, and they are happy that he has written this book, and happy with the book, despite some implied criticism of how they brought him up. Indeed, it comes across as less aggressive than some accounts, so it is particularly insightful for parents and other empathotypicals who might find more black-and-white descriptions of their mistakes hurtful. As with every book written by someone on the spectrum that I have seen, it is a short book, giving a snapshot of his difficulties and joys before and also after his diagnosis, giving highlights of specific problems and pleasures. Overall I think it would be a good book for someone who recognises himself in the author, or as a starting point for deepening your understanding of your brother, son or friend, or, if you are already interested in this condition, to broaden your understanding of the ways that it present itself' - Asperger United '[A]n especially uplifting read for a young person or adult newly diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrom. It also would help those unfamiliar with Asperger's Syndrome to understand the condition much better' - REACH This gripping and at times astonishing story will be inspirational to all adults either facing Asperger's Syndrome personally or interacting with someone who has been diagnosed. In his own imitable style, Chris Mitchell describes his life before and after diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. We follow Chris through primary and secondary school, where his lack of social interaction and anger continually land him in trouble, and where he is bullied for being different. Only his excellent memory and specialist interests enable him to continue, and pass his GCSEs and a GNVQ in Media Studies. At university he is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Suddenly his life makes more sense, and his self-awareness means his self-confidence returns, resulting in world travel, a Masters qualification in Information and Library Management and finally, acceptance. Chris Mitchell is a Records Assistant at Durham County Record Office, and also does public speaking on the subject of Asperger's Syndrome.
Individuals with autism and their caregivers face unique challenges in later childhood and adolescence. This volume translates research on the needs of this population into practical recommendations for clinicians and educators. The book features vivid case examples and an in-depth, reproducible assessment form. Accessible guidance and hands-on ......
Young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations, but socializing with classmates and colleagues can be made easier and enjoyable with Guiding Toward Growth group sessions.John Merges' simple yet effective program for teaching social enjoyment skills is based on the concept that there ......
''Your child has autism'' - four small words with the power to leave parents feeling helpless, overwhelmed and confused. This concise, no-nonsense book will enable parents to regain control of the situation and take the first practical steps towards a calm and happy life with their newly-diagnosed child.Dr. Larson Kidd's approach draws from the ......
Over 80 genetic conditions have now been reported in people who have also been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A number of these have specific implications for management and intervention, which if not identified, can result in a sub-optimal level of care, complications or even permanent damage. Kenneth J. Aitken shows that the ......
Leaving home and moving to college or university can be a daunting experience. In this easy-to-use book, Rosemary Martin provides guidance and invaluable advice for students on the autism spectrum as they plan for and settle into college life.Packed with straightforward methods for coping and succeeding away from home, this book focuses on the ......
Allison Hope-West is Head of Education at the Sheiling School, Ringwood, and a distance learning tutor on the M(ed) Autism course at the University of Birmingham. She was previously Director of Special Educational Needs Placements for the Cambian Group, which provides specialist residential education and care for young people with autistic ......
The Definitive Guide to Using Alternative-Augmentative Communication, Visual Strategies, and Learning Supports at Home and School
Carol L. Spears and Vicki L. Turner are both experienced Speech and Language Pathologists with particular expertise in alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) services and visual strategies for clients with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. Both live in Ohio.
Truly inclusive education means not only including students with diverse abilities in the general classroom, but making sure every learner has the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways. Students can be a teacher's number one resource for creating a learning environment that values all members of the classroom community. This comprehensive professional development kit enables staff developers to lead training on how to tap into students' potential as helpers, advocates, and decision makers in an inclusive classroom. Participants will learn how to: - Collaborate with students to build a cooperative, caring, and active classroom - Use collaborative learning groups, co-teaching methods, and peer tutoring to foster acceptance and cooperation - Give students a voice in instruction and learning through personal learning plans, peer mediation, and other methods The multimedia kit provides: - The companion book Collaborating With Students in Instruction and Decision Making, offering research-based strategies for empowering students in the classroom - A 72-minute, content-rich DVD, with an easy stop-and-search navigation menu; interviews with the authors; interviews with students, teachers, and administrators; and in-classroom examples of best practices - A chapter-by-chapter facilitator's guide connecting the book to the DVD and providing chapter summaries, discussion questions, application activities, and handouts - A companion CD-ROM with a printable version of the facilitator's guide An ideal resource to use with large or small groups, this multimedia kit is essential for anyone leading professional development focused on making students active partners in the teaching and learning process. Other Professional Development Multimedia Kits From Corwin: 1. Villa, A Guide to Co-Teaching 2e MMK, ISBN: 978-1-4129-5484-6 2. Thousand, Differentiating Instruction MMK, ISBN: 978-1-4129-5322-1 3. Richardson, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools MMK 978-1-4129-7751-7 4. Tate, Reading and Language Arts Worksheets Won't Grow Dendrites MMK 978-1-4129-7562-9 5. Downey, 50 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap MMK 978-1-4129-7746-3
