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. -- Carol Leary, PhD, president, Bay Path University, Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Embracing and Educating the Autistic Child: Valuing Those Who Color Outside the Lines, could not have come at a better time. Understanding and adapting to the unique needs of autistic students ensures increased positive outcomes for this population across all domains, including academic, social, and behavioral. Within the pages of this book, the reader will find essential information on understanding the autistic mind, promising evidence-based practices, critical components to developing programming for the autistic student, and the importance of transitional services and supports for this population. -- Cody Hancock, CAGS, moderate special needs teacher 5-12, severe special needs teacher all levels, Pathfinder Regional Technical High School, Palmer, Massachusetts
Embracing and Educating the Autistic Child: Valuing Those Who Color Outside the Lines offers the reader the necessary components to understand and teach students with autism spectrum disorder. Collaborating with families and related service providers are just two important chapters within this tome; yet, others also speak to the interested reader. Pro-social skills and self-awareness, as well as teaching practices and classroom interventions provide a just-right mixture of research and practicality that ensure a well-rounded, must-read for teachers and families alike who have the privilege to engage with this special population. -- Elizabeth Jean Ed.D, professor, Van Loan School of Education, Endicott College, Beverly, MA
As the diagnosis of autism becomes more common, Embracing and Educating the Autistic Child: Valuing Those Who Color Outside the Lines, takes the reader on a journey that examines all facets of educating the student. Understanding what the diagnosis means, how the assessment of needs unfolds, and what necessary components are included in the creation of an Individualized Education Plan help make a difficult subject clear. With those basic tenets described, the authors also look at educational factors that foster learning and positive pro-social skill building as ways to prepare students for successful post-secondary and/or workforce transitions. This tome is a must read for anyone who has an autistic student or child, as well as anyone interested in learning more about autism spectrum disorder in general. -- Martha H. von Mering, executive officer of special education & related services, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA
