Embracing and Educating the Autistic Child

Dr. Nicholas D. Young has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 30 years, serving as a principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year; and he completed a distinguished Fulbright program focused on the Japanese educational system through the collegiate level.Dr. Kristen Bonanno-Sotiropoulos has worked in education at the various levels for more than a dozen years. Her professional career within K12 public education included roles as a special education teacher and special education administrator at the elementary and middle school levels. After her tenure in K12, she transitioned to higher education to teach undergraduate and graduate courses as an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Springfield College located in Springfield, Massachusetts and then moved to Assistant Professor, Director of Special Education Programs at Bay Path University.Dr. Melissa A. Mumby has worked in various levels of K-12 education for over a decade. She began her career as a high school English and drama teacher, and then transitioned into a role as a special educator, working with both middle and high school students. From there she became a special education coordinator for grades K-5, and eventually the special education director for grades K-12 at a local charter school. She is currently an educational team leader for the Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA.

• ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgement1. Understanding the Autistic Mind: Prominent Characteristics Under Review2. Protecting and Serving Autistic Students: Understanding State and Federal Policies3. Creating the Foundation for Success in Students with Autism: From Assessment to Educational Goals4. Developing Effective Educational Programs for Autistic Students: Challenges and Solutions5. Helping Autistic Students Find Success in the Classroom: Promising Practices6. Applied Behavior Analysis and Classroom Interventions: Effective Strategies to Improve Student Performance 7. Promoting Successful Peer Interactions and Self-Awareness: Understanding and Fostering Pro-Social Skills8. Effective Collaboration with Related Service Providers: The Importance of Teamwork9. Working with Families of Autistic Students: Understanding and Coping with the Stressors10. Transition Planning for Autistic Students: Preparing for Post-Secondary and Workforce TransitionsAbout the Authors

With the continued rise in the diagnosis of autism for school-aged students, particularly in the United States, the need for tailoring our instructional practices and programs for this population is at a pivotal point. Embracing and Educating the Autistic Child: Valuing Those Who Color Outside the Lines, takes a look at the extensive research pertaining to the unique learning needs and characteristics of the autistic student. The authors provide valuable insights into how educators, school leaders, parents, community members and college professors can turn the tide to academic success for this population of students.