Learning Difficulties & Learning Behaviour - Autism

Learning through play is a well-established principle that underpins much educational practice, yet it is often overlooked in association with children with autistic spectrum disorders. This book considers the wide-ranging benefits of developing play and taking it into drama with these children. The authors demonstrate how to implement such approaches via a highly practical, structured developmental framework, within which participants may gradually learn to be creative, and discuss the psychology and pedagogy of autism in relation... read more

The range of educational options available to children with autism and Asperger syndrome is broad, but choosing the right path can be a complex and mystifying task for all.

With a focus on best practice and the importance of early diagnosis, this book provides a practical and scientifically-based approach to the assessment and diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and autism spectrum conditions. This book offers a balance of conceptual, practical and empirical information designed to bridge the research-to-practice gap in identifying, assessing, and treating school-aged children with autism-related conditions. Assessment tools and intervention strategies will support school-based professionals in: identifyin... read more

This accessible and practical photocopiable resource is brimming with ideas and guidance for motivating children with autism spectrum disorder or other communication difficulties. The clear and user-friendly format of the book enables quick access to over 300 practical games and activities for using everyday toys and games in a range of settings throughout the day. For example, if your child likes to pop bubbles with their fingers, perhaps they would also enjoy counting bubbles? Or catching bubbles on a wand, stomping bubbles with ... read more

The early years are the most critical period of learning for a child with autism. Therapeutic art-making can be a useful tool to tap into their imaginations and help them to express their thoughts and feelings. "Art as an Early Intervention Tool for Children with Autism" includes practical advice on helping a child move beyond scribbling, organizing the child's environment for maximum comfort and relaxation, and providing physical and sensory support. This book is packed with tips and suggestions for how to provide art therapy for ... read more

Following the increasing amount of scientific research relating to autism, various dietary approaches are being advocated to help those with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). This book provides an introduction to the clinical conditions that can cause autistic behaviour and what can be done to significantly improve many of them.The book explores the known genetic conditions linked to autism and describes various dietary interventions. For each approach, the author explores the potential benefits; evidence for and against the diet; ... read more

Parents have been reporting a connection between autism and diet for decades, but for many years the science behind the connection was evasive. Today, we see a growing body of research to back up parental-reported evidence that certain foods and other environmental sources can affect the developing brains of some children, and trigger adverse behavioural episodes.Written by an autism expert who has witnessed in her own child the dramatic improvement that can be made through dietary intervention, this book offers an 'easily digestib... read more

If you have a child on the autism spectrum who struggles with the challenges of daily life, then this book is for you! "Hints and Tips..." is peppered with vignettes and stories of real-life situations and successes, and offers clever ideas for tackling everyday difficulties, such as bathing, bedtime, school trips, and selecting the right child minder.Dion E. Betts and Nancy J. Patrick provide creative, practical strategies to help parents and caregivers to support their child (ASD), and to enable their child to develop the social ... read more

The Verbal Behavior (VB) approach is a form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), that is based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and works particularly well with children with minimal or no speech abilities. In this book, Mary Lynch Barbera draws on her own experiences as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and also as a parent of a child with autism to explain VB and how to use it. This step-by-step guide provides an abundance of information about how to help children develop better language and speaking skills, and also... read more

Different Like Me introduces children aged 8-12 years to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, maths, literature, philosophy and comedy. Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky to Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Banneker and Julia Bowman Robinson, among others. All excel in different fields, but are united by the fact that they often found it difficult to fi... read more

Parents of young children newly diagnosed as on the autism spectrum are often at a loss for ideas about how best to help their child. "Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum" is not just a collection of play ideas; it shows how to break down activities into manageable stages, and looks at ways to gain a child's attention and motivation and to build on small achievements.Each chapter covers a collection of ideas around a theme, including music, art, physical activities, playing outdoors, puzzles, turn-ta... read more

This training program for teachers and carers assesses ASD students' strengths and abilities, fears and challenges and helps them acquire the skills necessary for a smooth transition from school to employment. The authors give guidance on developing life skills for employability and independent living, for example, hygiene, time and money management, communication skills, decision-making and setting and achieving realistic goals. They also clearly define the role of parents, job coaches and employers and stress that students are em... read more

Children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) often have sensory processing difficulties. They may be very sensitive to particular sounds or materials, or unresponsive to injuries most children would find painful. This practical book offers a six-step approach to developing a successful programme to help children cope with sensory input they find overwhelming, and to identify activities they may find relaxing or rewarding. Sue Larkey draws on her experience of working with children with autism to offer more than 30 activities usi... read more

This ground-breaking training programme has been developed in response to a real need for evidence-based early interventions for very young autistic children. Authoritative and extensively tried and tested, it will help both parents and carers to understand the disorder and how it affects child development. Ultimately, the programme is designed to reduce the severity of emotional/behavioural difficulties by managing a child's particular problems and encouraging effective collaboration between professionals and parents. The programm... read more

Providing easy to follow, proven strategies for common teaching challenges, Making it a Success is a user-friendly resource to help teachers and teaching assistants effectively integrate students with special needs in the classroom. With photocopiable worksheets, creative ideas for activities and teacher notes, Sue Larkey presents effective ways of helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their social skills, reading, writing and maths, play and general behaviour. She provides solutions for dealing with constan... read more

'More than just a list of practical points...The book is well worth buying and should appeal both to support workers and their managers' - Secondary School SENCo, London 'This book will be of value to all those who support pupils with an autistic spectrum disorder. However, as it tackles the day-to-day practice of teaching and working with such pupils it should be read by teachers too' - Tess Coll, autism outreach teacher 'There can be no doubt that the action suggested by the authors to improve outcomes for pupils with ASD, would ... read more

'I liked the way it dealt with the difficult issues such as mental health, sexuality and future employment in a clear and direct way, providing well thought out, practical responses.' 'Easy to read yet informative.' 'Very accessible in an area of SEN that is now a key area of concern.' ' Captivating, good presentation with the case studies, reflective oasis and points to remember.' 'Very useful for Sencos and teachers.' - Judging Panel for NASEN/TES Book Award 'There can be no doubt that the action suggested by the authors to impro... read more

Are you looking for caring and creative ways to support pupils on the Autistic Spectrum? By encouraging everyone to view the triad of impairment as a triad of opportunity, this book gives the reader guidance on how to become an autism-friendly professional. With chapters on structuring a meaningful classroom, understanding and improving behaviour, and looking at transition through the eyes of pupils on the spectrum, the book provides valuable insights gained from the author's many years of practice The book includes: " visual resou... read more

'Gives general educators the precise information needed to work with children on the autistic spectrum. The range of topics covered makes this book a great resource for professionals looking for an overview of autism spectrum disorders and how to work effectively with this population. I particularly like the chapter on collaborating with parents - a much needed, but often neglected area' - G. Richmond Mancil, Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida. 'Most comprehensive. Teachers in today's classrooms are faced with the c... read more

This is a comprehensive guide to establishing shared play experiences that assist in the development of communication, social understanding and cognition. Easily accessible, and packed full with practical resources, the book defines the importance of play both developmentally and psychologically as having a major influence on the enrichment of meaningful interactions and children's learning. Diana Seach expertly discusses how play enables children with autism to: represent their knowledge of the world and their relationships with o... read more