Parenting on the Autism Spectrum

Lynn Adams is an Associate professor in the department of Communication sciences and Disorders at Valdosta State University, Georgia. She holds the Certificate of Clinical Competence form the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her areas of clinical expertise include autism spectrum disorders and child language development and disorders. Dr. Adams has taught at the university level for over 15 years. She received her doctorate from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and her MS and BS from The Florida State University, Tallahassee. She is active in both state and national professional associations.

• Contents Preface Acknowledgments Dedication Chapter 1. Truth Definitions Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Causes Characteristics Discussion Starters Chapter 2. Being a critical Consumer Assessment tools and procedures Intervention Strategies Addressing Communication Needs PRT Augmentative and alternative Communication Social stories Providing choices Visual strategies Behaviors are messages An ounce of prevention When the fit happens What I Believe Discussion starters Chapter 3. Autism in the House Whole House Organization Order in the Kitchen Dietary Interventions? It's Potty Time The Space to Move Making Common Areas Work More Than a Bedroom A Word About Siblings What IS on the TV? When Technology Does NOT Help What I Believe Discussion Starters Chapter 4. Talking, Playing, Doing, Being Communication Development Play and Social Skill Development Social Communication Development Joint Attention Pitfalls in Play What I Believe Discussion Starters Chapter 5. School Days, School Days Proactive Planning Advocating for Your Child Interventions for School IFSP and IEP Is Not Alphabet Soup! Extended School Year and Regression/Recoupment What I Believe Discussion Starters Chapter 6. Managing Behavior Before it Manages You Behavioral Intervention Teenagers; a Breed Apart What I believe Discussion Starters Chapter 7. A Potato on the Couch Asperger syndrome Cognitive Abilities Language Abilities Social Abilities Sensory and motor Skills Academic Skills Case Studies What I believe Discussion Starters Chapter 8. All in the Family Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear What Families Have Taught Me Real Information from Real Parents What I Believe Chapter 9. Beyond High School Beyond High school What I Believe Discussion Starters References Appendix A: Resources for Parents Appendix B: Basic Vocabulary for Parents Index

Ewan Culling, Clinical Psychologist, International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, (2014): "Parenting on the Autism Spectrum provides a comprehensive, but easy-to-read overview of therapeutic approaches and support strategies recommended for the parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The book includes practical strategies for use within home and school settings, as well as chapters dedicated to facilitating communication and social interaction... Each chapter in Parenting on the Autism Spectrum includes a "What I believe" section that gives the author an opportunity to highlight her professional opinion on each issue or modality, based on her clinical experience. In this manner the book strikes an effective mixture between objective description of available techniques and subjective opinion of efficacy based on the author's real world experience. In my opinion, one of the most impressive achievements of this book is that it manages to provide comprehensive overviews of therapeutic models, approaches and research bases, but does so in a manner that it is clear and written in lay terminology for the audience intended. It becomes clear early on in the book that the author's intention is to inform parents and care-givers so that they can become 'critical consumers' of the various treatments/supports available and make informed choices for their children. This is a laudable aim, particularly given the modern ethos of collaboration and joint decision making between individuals, families and the education/health/social care services in agreeing support plans and packages for children with additional needs. It is my opinion that the author's aims are fully realised and I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to parents and care-givers of children/teenagers with ASD. I believe this book would also have utility as a core induction resource material for professionals who work with children with ASD."