Supporting Change in Autism Services explores the theoretical and practical dimensions of improving service provision for children, young people and adults with autism. The core aim of the book is to identify and critically examine some of the key factors that either facilitate or inhibit the implementation of good autism practice at both practitioner level and workplace level. It shows practitioners and students how to successfully translate autism theory into practice across service contexts and showcases a range of practitioner case studies throughout the text in order to illustrate effective implementation. Topics explored include: controversies and ambiguities in autism policy, theory and discourse; understanding autism in an inclusive context; enabling participation; making sense of behaviour; autism and interprofessionalism; strategic planning for autism friendly services; bridging the implementation gap. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in improving services for people with autism in the education, social care, health and voluntary sectors.
This book provides resources for the identification, selection, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based practices to promote positive outcomes for learners with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan and to enhance their quality of life. The decision-making process for identifying and selecting evidence-based practices to address the academic, behavioral, and social needs of this population of learners is discussed, followed by a systematic description of the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices within the context of ongoing assessment and data-based decision making. The authors present evidence-based training models for solving the common dilemmas of selecting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based practices. Finally, the book underlines the importance of developing collaborative partnerships with families and other professionals to better address the needs of learners with autism spectrum disorder.
Children who have autism require comprehensive educational and treatment services. There are a myriad of approaches currently recommended to practitioners and parents, but little is known about their efficacy. Which are the most effective in teaching skills, overcoming behavior challenges, and improving quality of life? Methods must be based in research settings, but be easily extended to real world settings where children with autism live, go to school, socialize, and recreate. Identifying and validating effective practices is a complex and multi-faceted process, but an essential one for responsible research and practice. This book brings together multiple and contemporary perspectives on intervention effectiveness for autism education and behavior support. With contributors from a variety of disciplines and orientations, Effective Practices for Children with Autism presents a critical appraisal of current practice standards, emphasizing empirically supported procedures and research-to-practice applications. By bringing together a diverse group of authors, the editors have ensured that the vast field of information on interventions for children with autism is thoroughly examined, and that no topic has gone untouched. Written for practitioners, research scientists, and clinicians, the book is an essential framework for evaluating educational and treatment procedures, selecting those that are most effective, and evaluating outcomes.
"A powerful and informative resource for anyone touched by autism." Embark on a journey to understanding autism with "Navigating the Spectrum: A Comprehensive Guide to Autism." This essential resource is designed to provide a thorough overview of autism spectrum disorder, offering valuable insights and practical advice for families, educators, caregivers, and professionals. In this comprehensive guide, you will explore a wide range of topics, including the diagnostic process, intervention strategies, and support networks. Learn about evidence-based therapies, the role of the family in providing support, and how to navigate the educational system to ensure your loved one receives the appropriate accommodations. Discover the impact of autism on emotional well-being, and delve into essential strategies for building resilience and coping skills. Understand the unique presentations of autism in girls and women, as well as the experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals on the spectrum. With chapters dedicated to autism and spirituality, legal rights, workplace inclusion, and the importance of social connections, "Navigating the Spectrum" is a well-rounded resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Learn about the role of support animals in autism, addressing the unique needs of aging adults, and planning for long-term care. Celebrate neurodiversity by embracing the strengths and talents of individuals with autism, and discover how to foster a more inclusive society for all. "Navigating the Spectrum: A Comprehensive Guide to Autism" is an invaluable resource that will empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to better understand, support, and advocate for individuals with autism. Whether you're a parent, educator, caregiver, or professional, this guide will help you navigate the world of autism with compassion and confidence. Contents: • Understanding Autism ◦ Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview ◦ Early Signs and Symptoms ◦ Causes and Risk Factors ◦ Diagnosing Autism: The Evaluation Process • Autism Spectrum Disorder Types ◦ Asperger's Syndrome ◦ Rett Syndrome ◦ Childhood Disintegrative Disorder ◦ Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) • Autism and Development ◦ Communication Skills and Challenges ◦ Social Skills and Interaction ◦ Behavioral Patterns and Repetitive Behaviors ◦ Sensory Processing Issues • Therapies and Interventions ◦ Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ◦ Occupational Therapy ◦ Speech and Language Therapy ◦ Social Skills Training • Navigating the Educational System ◦ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) ◦ Inclusive Education and Classroom Strategies ◦ Transition Planning for Adolescents • Family Life and Autism ◦ Parenting Strategies for Raising a Child with Autism ◦ Sibling Relationships and Autism ◦ Managing Stress and Self-Care for Caregivers • Navigating the Medical System ◦ Medications and Treatments for Autism ◦ Complementary and Alternative Therapies ◦ Co-occurring Conditions and Their Treatment • Adult Life with Autism ◦ Independent Living and Housing Options ◦ Employment Opportunities and Support ◦ Building and Maintaining Relationships • Advocacy and Support ◦ Resources for Families and Individuals with Autism ◦ Building a Support Network ◦ Advocating for Autism Awareness and Acceptance • Autism in the Media and Society ◦ Portrayals of Autism in Film and Television ◦ The Role of Social Media in Autism Advocacy ◦ Misconceptions and Stereotypes Surrounding Autism • Autism and Technology ◦ Assistive Technology for Communication and Learning ◦ The Role of Teletherapy in Autism Support ◦ Mobile Applications and Tools for Autism • The Importance of Early Intervention ◦ Identifying Autism in Infants and Toddlers ◦ Early Intervention Programs and Their Benefits ◦ Strategies for Supporting Early Development • The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Autism ◦ Common Dietary Interventions for Autism ◦ Managing Picky Eating and Sensory Issues ◦ Supplements and Nutrient Deficiencies • Autism and Physical Activity ◦ The Benefits of Exercise for Individuals with Autism ◦ Adapting Sports and Physical Activities for Autism ◦ Building Motor Skills and Coordination • Creativity and the Arts in Autism ◦ Music Therapy and Its Benefits ◦ Art and Creative Expression for Individuals with Autism ◦ The Role of Drama and Theatre in Building Social Skills • Autism Around the World ◦ Cultural Perspectives on Autism ◦ International Approaches to Autism Treatment and Support ◦ Global Autism Awareness and Advocacy Efforts • The Future of Autism Research ◦ Emerging Research and Understanding of Autism ◦ Potential Breakthroughs in Treatment and Intervention ◦ The Importance of Continued Research and Funding • Emotional Well-being and Autism ◦ Identifying and Managing Emotions ◦ Supporting Mental Health in Individuals with Autism ◦ Building Resilience and Coping Skills • Autism and Spirituality ◦ Exploring Spirituality and Faith in the Context of Autism ◦ Inclusivity and Support in Religious Communities ◦ The Role of Spiritual Practices in Emotional Well-being • Autism and Gender ◦ The Presentation of Autism in Girls and Women ◦ Addressing Gender Bias in Autism Diagnosis and Treatment ◦ Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Individuals with Autism • Travel and Leisure with Autism ◦ Planning and Preparing for Travel with Autism ◦ Tips for Making Travel Accessible and Enjoyable ◦ Autism-Friendly Destinations and Attractions • Autism and the Law ◦ Understanding Legal Rights and Protections ◦ Navigating Disability Benefits and Services ◦ Advocating for Policy Change and Legislation • Autism in the Workplace ◦ Strategies for Job Seekers with Autism ◦ Supporting Autism Inclusion in the Workplace ◦ Employers' Responsibilities and Best Practices • Autism and Relationships ◦ Building and Maintaining Friendships ◦ Navigating Romantic Relationships and Dating ◦ The Importance of Social Connections for Well-being • The Role of Support Animals in Autism ◦ Benefits of Assistance and Therapy Animals ◦ Selecting and Training an Autism Support Animal ◦ Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Support Animals • Autism and Aging ◦ Addressing the Unique Needs of Aging Adults with Autism ◦ Planning for Long-term Care and Support ◦ Strategies for Maintaining Quality of Life in Later Years • Celebrating Neurodiversity ◦ Embracing the Strengths and Talents of Individuals with Autism ◦ Promoting Autism Acceptance and Inclusion ◦ Fostering a Neurodiverse Society for All
This book is essential for anyone interested in learning about the therapeutic potential of orthodox and state-of-the-art supports for autistics. Using research evidence, supports are rated using a Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Tin category system. ‘Gold’ is extremely promising and use with confidence, whereas ‘Tin’ is extremely unsafe and potentially life threatening. This book, however, is more complex than just presenting literature reviews about supports for autistics and then rating the efficacy of the support. In addition to this, the insights and experiences of autistics about the autism supports examined are presented. Such testimonials provide an insider perspective from those who ultimately stand to benefit or suffer after receiving a support – namely autistics themselves.
A Practical Guide for Finding Interventions that Work for Autistic People: Diversity Affirming Evidence-Based Practice, second edition, provides a socially valid, culturally sensitive, and person-centered resource to aid practitioners in guiding the selection of effective interventions. By providing multiple illustrative examples, practitioners will learn to use their professional judgment to integrate the best available evidence with client values and context. The second edition includes new chapters on diversity affirmation and cultural adaptations of interventions, quality of life, self-determination, guided decision-making, and ethics as foundational skills for identifying effective, socially valid interventions that are delivered with compassion and assent/consent. Presents a detailed description of the diversity-affirming evidence-based practice decision-making model Offers a framework that helps practitioners integrate the best available evidence with client values and context Demonstrates how to culturally adapt interventions and center decision-making on the client Guides practitioners through the process of assessing intervention outcomes that fit with client values and contextual variables Provides numerous concrete examples involving Autistic people holding many intersecting identities
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered, and continues to trigger, many changes in K-12 education—some major, like learning remotely from home, and some minor, like sitting farther apart on the school bus. While most students have had routines interrupted, the children perhaps most affected by that disruption are students with special education needs. The challenges we currently face should not undermine what we have accomplished over the last 60 years to protect students with disabilities and those from traditionally marginalized backgrounds. Instead, we must take an honest, proactive and collaborative approach to the challenges laid bare. To do so, we must reckon with the fact that during a pandemic that disproportionately impacted traditionally marginalized communities and people with disabilities, we collectively dropped the ball for students receiving special education services, and we need to consider the continued consequences. Further, we must acknowledge that many students with disabilities have found virtual and remote learning to be more liberating and accessible for their learning strengths, needs, and preferences. This text addresses how we must reconcile disparate realities of the special educational experience during pandemic. Students, parents, teachers, and school officials must align themselves together so that they can provide necessary services and support systems to students with disabilities during unpredictable times. These efforts will help leverage opportunities to disrupt, improve, and ignite educational experiences and opportunities for our children and youth, particularly those with disabilities.
Parenting and educating a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a unique experience for many reasons. Too often, the K-12 school system overlooks the needs of children with ASDs or educators find themselves unprepared to provide a learning environment that fulfills these needs. Parents of children with ASDs must also stay informed on autism support services, school system practices, developmental pediatrics, and more in order to be an active voice in how their children are supported within the school system. Understanding Parent Experiences and Supporting Autistic Children in the K-12 School System shares the experiences of children with ASDs in order to develop more supportive practices for these children as they navigate the K-12 system. It also offers best practices, strategies, and information for educators to provide a sufficient learning environment to support children with ASDs within their classrooms. Covering topics such as assistive tools, inclusive practices, and parent experiences, it is an ideal resource for K-12 administration and faculty, educators, pre-service teachers, policymakers, parents, researchers, and academicians.
Each year, more than 50,000 U.S. families receive an autism diagnosis. On top of turmoil and worry, they share the same urgent question: What can we do to help our child?
How Do We Evolve Autism Services? We are approaching a critical period in the autism community. With a growing population of maturing and aging individuals living with autism, it is time to look to the future and ask how we can provide meaningful outcomes that enable a real quality of life for individuals with autism and successful investment opportunities for investors. In her latest book, Autism Matters: Empowering Investors, Providers, and the Autism Community to Advance Autism Services, Dr. Ronit Molko takes a critical look at the autism services industry and outlines the path for providers, clinicians, and investors to forge new programs and opportunities that will equip autistic individuals with the skills they need to build high-quality, self-determined lives. A growing number of individuals with autism are speaking out about the deficits in current autism services. These individuals need support and services that will help them achieve long-term successes as well as independent and self-fulfilled lives. It's time to revolutionize the autism services industry; but the market won't change itself. Investors are needed to advance and evolve an industry that is paramount to the successful development and support of countless autistic individuals. With Dr. Molko's unparalleled knowledge and experience, Autism Matters is the primary resource for investors looking to enter the autism services market.
