 Autism Resources  A mother of a child with learning disabilities tells a version of Temple Grandin's story. Grandin's mother details her struggles with the medical authorities and keeping her daughter out of institutions. Autism is one of the many syndromes described which are manifested in mild or "shadow" forms in millions of Americans. The author notes that diagnosis and treatment may make life easier and enjoyable. Written for children from a child's perspective- the authors (parents of a child with autism-related problems) share solutions such as a sensory sensitivity scale, a behavioral rating chart and resources. A kids book for making friends with A Child Who Has Autism My son and I loved the Amelia Bedelia series. This young woman is literal minded to the extreme. When its time to 'hit the road" she takes out a stick. Her hilarious actions provide a great opportunity to discuss literal versus idiomatic language with children. This is a great handbook with case studies, frequently asked questions and lots more resources. This guide is written by special educator, Patricia Bashe and Barbara Kirby, moderator of OASIS, a popular Asperger's Syndrome support website. The author provides the details of assessment and treatment and many case studies. Gluetin and casein- free kid-friendly Recipes from a pediatrician and nutritionist. This product provides three boards for choosing pictures related to: daily routines, understanding and controlling feelings and improving waiting skills. This film tells the story of 26 year old Sue Rubin. Diagnosed as autistic and mentally retarded as a young girl, at age 13 she learned to use facilitated communication and eventually attended college. Six issues/year of information for parents and professionals. Songs and activities on this DVD help children identify and coordinate basic emotions and physical activities. This DVD introduces parents to what OT, including sensory integration therapy can do to help their children. Many do's and don'ts and real life examples in toilet training. A great guide to educational and treatment options. The "Watch Me Learn" series shows children engaged in simple activities to promote language and social skills, recommended especially for non-verbal children. A pediatrician and and father of an autistic child discusses the controversial vaccination connection to autism. This interesting study of the relationship between autism and creativity examines a host of accomplished historical figures. Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom. A mother explains how she discovered an intense combination of behavioral therapy, diet, and supplements that became the key to saving her child. Each chapter centers on a theme: music, art, reading, physical activities, puzzles, playing outdoors and turn taking to help children who struggle with play. Lots of suggestions on how to manage unusual behaviors. A guide to what respite and alternative caregivers need to know to care for your child during an absence. A coloring book for peers and siblings. A celebration of the strengths people with Asperger's Syndrome share. Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge |
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"Autism" has been called Kanner's Syndrome because psychiatrist Leo Kanner observed and wrote about children with autistic symptoms, publishing his first paper about them in 1943. Autism Syndrome as we understand it today had also been called Childhood Schizophrenia, Infantile Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim believed that the syndrome had no organic basis but was the result of refrigerator mothers who either consciously or unconsciously did not want their children to live. This was the prevailing belief during the 1950's and through the 1970s. Today there are many theories about the causes of autism. Fortunately, there are numerous books and websites available today that explain the neurological basis of Autism and a variety of treatment approaches including: neurosensory, biochemical, behavioral and pyschodynamic. Information on Diagnosis and Symptoms Children with autism generally have difficulties with language, behavior and social skills. Some have normal or above average intelligence and others have cognitive delays. Learn the symptoms in order to seek out early intervention. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/autism/detail_autism.htm http://www.healthscout.com/ency/416/317/main.html http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism/DS00348/DSECTION=2  Understanding Autism Notbohm, Ellen, Ten Things Every Child With Autism wishes You Knew, Future Horizons, TX, 2005. Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew Sicile-Kira, C. Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive- Developmental Disorder, and other ASD's, Perigree Trade, NY, 2004. Autism Spectrum Disorders  Shore, S. & Rastelli, L, Understanding Autism For Dummies, For Dummies Series, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2006. Understanding Autism For Dummies Books About sensory Issues and Autism Many children with autism have dysfunction in sensory integration. This may impact coordination, language, tolerance for sensory stimuli and learning. Occupational therapists can help design a "sensory diet" to optimize the learning environment. Anderson, Johanna, Sensory Motor Issues in Autism, Academic Press, 1999. Sensory Motor Issues in Autism Myles, B. S., cook, K.T., Miller N.E., Rinner, L & Robbins, L.A. Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Issues, Autism Asperger Publishing Co., KS, 2000. Autism Syndrome and Sensory Issues Yack, E., Aquilla, P. & Sutton, S., Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration: Therapy for Children with Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Future Horizons, TX, 2003. Building Bridges Through Sensory Integration Emmons, P.G. & Anderson, L.M., Understanding Sensory Dysfunction: Learning, Development and Sensory Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities and Bipoloar Disorder, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2005. Understanding Sensory Dysfunction Complementary/Alternative Therapies There are many theories as to the causes of autism and biomedical/ dietary approaches are a treatment option. Some doctors and researchers say that they have seen children make behavioral improvements after casein (a protein found in dairy foods) and gluten (found in wheat and other grains) have been removed from their diets. http://www.autismweb.com/diet.htm http://www.autismndi.com/ Lawton, S., Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps Toward a Better Life for You or Your Child (Complementary and Alternative Medicine), Praeger Publishers, 2007. Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps Toward a Better Life for You or Your Child The Listening Program is designed to help children improve auditory processing which in turn may impact language, cognition and social skills. Kurtz, Lisa, Understanding Controversial Therapies for Children with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder, and Other Learning Disabilities: A Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008. Understanding Controversial Therapies for Children with Autism Some individuals with autism have Scotopic Sensitivity/Irlen Syndrome. This is a visual-perceptual problem where the person might experience light sensitivity, inefficient reading and difficulty maintaining attention. The Irlen Lens System treats this with tinted glasses and the use of colored transparencies or overlays. Stone, Rhoda, The Light Barrier: Understanding the Mystery of Irlen Syndrome and Light-based Reading Difficulties, St. Martin's Griffin, 2003. The Light Barrier Behavioral Interventions Applied Behavior Analysis is a program designed to increase or decrease target behaviors in order to help children learn. Children with autism need a structured, consistent environment to learn. ABA is all about setting up that environment. Techniques can be used at home or school. Richman, Shira, Raising a Child With Autism: A Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis for Parents, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London, 2001. Raising a Child With Autism Maurice, C., Green, G . & Luce, S.C.., Behavioral Intervention For Young Children with Autism: A Manual for Parents and Professionals, Pro-ed, TX, 1996. Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism Children can learn independent behaviors by following visual schedules. This helps them to anticipate what will happen next. Krantz, P.J. and McClannahan, Activity Schedules for Children with Autism: Teaching Independent Behavior, Woodbine House, MD, 1999. Activity Schedules for children with Autism Educational Interventions and Resources  Make-in-No-Time Tasks Ltd.Ready to assemble tasks using TEACCH educational materials. Many children benefit form assistive technology. This might involve use of a "low tech" picture board such as the PECS system or a "high tech" computer with a word prediction program to enhance communication. Bondy, A. & Frost, L., A Picture's Worth: PECS and Other Visual Communication Strategies in Autism, Woodbine House, MD, 2001. A Picture's Worth TEACCH is school-based program that places children in small self- contained classes and provides family support and education. Mesibov, G.B., Shea, Victoria & Schopler, Eric, The TEACCH Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Springer, 2004. The TEACCH Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders Twachtman-Cullen, D., Twachtman-Reilly, J. & Holmes, D. L., How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up? Indicators for Effective Service Delivery, Starfish Specialty Press, 2002. How Well Does Your IEP Measure Up? Henry, Shawn & Myles, B.S., The Comprehensive Autism Planning System (CAPS) for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Related Disabilities: Integrating Best Practices Throughout the Student's Day, Autism and Asperger Publishing Company, 2007. The Comprehensive Autism Planning System http://www.hot-ideas.org Hands-On
Tasks & Ideas Inc. offers products for special education,
especially life skills and autism. Products are modeled after the work tasks used in the "structured teaching" method developed by Division TEACCH at the University of Carolina. http://www.tasksgalore.com/About_Us.htm Tasks Galore Publishing Inc. markets books for parents and professionalswith practical tools to aid children and students to become more independentin school and in society. The tools emphasize structured teaching methodsand parent/professional collaboration. Tasks Galore Early Education Tasks Galore For The Real World Tasks Galore Making Groups Meaningful Climbing Art Obstacles in Autism The PsychoDynamic Therapy Approach Psychodynamic therapy is "talk therapy" where the therapist helps reveal the person's unconscious thoughts to lesson distress. Therapy with children centers around their maladaptive play, often using puppets to reveal unconscious thoughts. Older, higher functioning individuals with autism may benefit from psychotherapy to reduce the anxiety and depression arising from recognition of their differences and problems. Bromfield, Richard, Doing Child and Adolescent Therapy: Adapting Psychodynamic Treatment to Contemporary Practice, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007. Doing Child and Adolescent Therapy Floortime or DIR (Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based) Floortime is a therapeutic methodology developed by child psychiatrist, Dr. Stanley Greenspan. It is designed to motivate the child to use his or her interests to interact and learn. Greenspan, Stanley, Engaging Autism: Helping Children Relate, Communicate and Think with the DIR Floortime Approach, Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2006. Engaging Autism Greenspan, Stanley, Wieder, Serena & Simons, Robin, The Child With Special Needs: Encouraging Intellectual and Emotional Growth, Perseus Books, 1998. The Child With Special Needs Cognitive Therapy Cognitive therapy is a type of psychotherapy based on collaboration between therapist and patient and treatment is based on testing beliefs. Sometimes the term "cognitive behavioral therapy" is used. Psychologist, Tony Attwood modifies this therapeutic tool to help individuals with autism cope with their emotions and develop social skills. Attwood, Tony, Exploring Feelings:Cognitive Behavior Therapy To Manage Anxiety, Future Horizons, TX, 2004. Exploring Feelings Developing Social Skills There are numerous books, web sites and therapeutic programs available that address social skills development in children and adults with autism. The need is so prevalent, even famed the Massachusetts Institute of Technology addresses the social needs of its students and staff by offering mingling skills training to improve communication. Social skills can be promoted with social stories (books and videos), zero tolerance of bullying, promoting specialized skills and interests, social skills therapy. Medication, exercise and meditation to decrease anxiety may also impact a person's willingness to engage in social situations. Baker, Jed, The Social Skills Picture Book Teaching Play, Emotion, and Communication to Children with Autism, Future Horizons, MD, 2003. The Social Skills Picture Book Teaching Play, Emotion and Communication to Children with Autism Myles, B.S., The Hidden Curriculum 2008 One-A-Day Calendar: Items for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, KS, 2008. The Hidden Curriculum 2088 One-A-Day Calendar Books Written By or About People With Autism  Temple Grandin Temple Grandin has earned a distinction as an author and speaker on the many issues surrounding autism. She is also successful in the field of animal science and combined her interests in her book Animals in Translation. Her first book Emergence: Labeled Autistic provides an insightful account of how Grandin creatively compensated for her sensory and social difficulties, utilizing her assets to achieve success. In Thinking In Pictures, Grandin again documents as a scientist and person with autism, how she experiences to world. Grandin and co-author Sean Barron share strategies to live and work successfully in Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships. Grandin also co-authored with Kate Duffy Developing Talents-a guide to searching for careers suitable for the person on the autism spectrum. Some of the issues covered include: whether or not to disclose the syndrome, advice on developing and using social skills, how to find a vocation you love and information on legal rights. Animals in Translation Emergence: Labeled Autistic Thinking in Pictures Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism Stephen Shore
Stephen Shore was diagnosed with strong autistic tendencies and was nonverbal until age four. His book Beyond the Wall documents the early struggles with sensory overload, communication frustrations, school struggles and the joy of college where he could study areas of special interest. Shore earned degrees in music and special education. Today he is married and a frequent presenter at conferences and advocate to raise awareness of Asperger's Syndrome. Shore also co-wrote Understanding Autism For Dummies with writer Linda Rastelli and forward by Temple Grandin, to simplify issues including interventions, financial concerns, education and family issues. Edited by Shore, Ask and Tell explores the issues of self-advocacy and disclosure. Beyond the Wall Understanding Autism For Dummies Ask and Tell: Self Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum Luke Jackson Luke Jackson provides the adolescent perspective. At age thirteen he wrote Freaks Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome (with a little help from his highly supportive family). Jackson addresses topics such as bullying, friendships, when to tell others about AS, school problems, dating, morality and what its like to have a younger brother with autism. Jackson wrote the forward to Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence by Liane Holliday Willey, a book that tackles the issues of adolescents with the syndrome. Freaks Geeks and Asperger's Syndrome Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence Donna Williams Donna Williams wrote her autobiography-Nobody Nowhere in an attempt to understand the struggles in her life. She describes herself as not a visual but rather a kinesthetic person. She is a prolific writer, artist, sculptor, singer-songwriter and screenwriter. http://www.donnawilliams.net/ Nobody Nowhere Somebody Somewhere Liane Holiday Willey Liane Holiday Willey is an internationally acclaimed speaker and author on Asperger's Syndrome. She has written about her life as a mother and wife "aspie" and has redefined "normal". Willey is the Senior editor of the magajournal Autism Spectrum Quarterly, published by Starfish Specialty Press. Pretending To Be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome Asperger Sydrome in the Family: Redefining Normal Autism and Adolescence
Smith, B.M. & Adreon, D., Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success, Autism Asperger Publishing Company, KS, 2001. Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence Baker, Jed, The Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond, Future Horizons, MD, 2006. The Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond Bolick, Teresa, Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens & Teens Get Ready for the Real World, Fair Winds Press, MA, 2004. Asperger Sydrome and Adolescence Fiction Books for Adults That Include an Autistic Character The Curious Incident of the dog in the
Night-Time by Mark Haddon is
one of my favorites. Fifteen year old Christopher discovers that his next door neighbor's dog has been murdered. He is determined to find the killer. Christopher's communication and sensory difficulties become apparent as he struggles to interview neighbors, is confronted by the police and tries to understand his angry father. The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-Time Books For Children http://www.autism-resources.com/autism-bib.html#childrens
Advocacy,
Information and More Resources
http://www.autismspectrumdisorderfoundation.org/aspergersresourcesbystate.html http://www.autism-pdd.net/advocacy.html http://www.autismspeaks.org/ http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=govt_home http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/ http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/ http://www.asperger-marriage.info/ http://www.wrongplanet.net/ 
Publishing Houses that specialize in Autism-Related Books and media.
Shawnee Mission, KS 66283-0173 Tel.: (877) 2778254 Autism Asperger Publishing Co. Autism Asperger Publishing Company is an independent publisher specializing in books on autism spectrum disorders. The books are targeted to parents, teachers and or others working or living with an individual with an autism spectrum disorder. The company also offers videos and other interactive products. New York, NY 10003 Tel.: (800) 8531057 http://www.drlbooks.com DRL founded by a parent of a child with autism, publishes books related to the specific teaching methods within the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with focus on the specific learning style of children on the autism spectrum.
Arlington, Texas 76013 Tel.: (800) 4890727 http://www.futurehorizons-autism.com/ Future Horizons, provides books, conferences, and other information about autism, Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Subjects include: behavior strategies, communication, special diets, early intervention and social skills training.
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7833 2307 http://www.jkp.com/ This independent publisher specializes in the categories of: arts therapies, Autism and Asperger's Syndromes, brain injury, disability law, education, health and social care (including occupational therapy), parenting, psychology and psychiatry. There are numerous titles related to developmental disabilities.
Bethesda, MD 20817 Tel.: (800) 843-7323 http://woodbinehouse.com Woodbine House is a publisher specializing in books about children with special needs. Titles in the special needs collection include topics: AD/HD, autism, celiac disease, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury, early intervention, inclusion, special education, communication skills. ©2008 Barbara Smith |
