Students who are slow to respond to traditional instruction and intervention require intensified intervention. Visual Activity Schedules (VAS) are an evidence-based type of visual support that provide sequential organization of the steps for an activity or skill. VAS can be aligned with individual student needs, including behavioral support. VAS…

The most researched and effective practice for instructing children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is applied behavior analysis (ABA; Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968; Reichow, 2012; Smith & Eikeseth, 2011; Virués-Ortega, 2010). ABA is a scientific approach to systematic instruction, data collection, and data analysis based on observable…

Young children with siblings with autism are in a unique position. They face challenges (similar to those that parents encounter), but at a time before they've developed appropriate coping strategies. As a result, they need support to ensure that they're informed, feel respected, and know how to be compassionate advocates for their brothers and…

Every 20 minutes, another child is diagnosed with autism. Are you ready to meet this growing educational challenge? This authoritative guide for practitioners--early interventionists, teachers, school counselors and psychologists--provides practical strategies for addressing the unique needs of children on the autism spectrum and their families.…

From leading authorities, this state-of-the-art manual presents the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), the first comprehensive, empirically tested intervention specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers with autism. Supported by the principles of developmental psychology and applied behavior analysis, ESDM's intensive teaching interventions…

Discrete trial instruction or naturalistic, incidental teaching: How do you choose which approach to use with young children with autism? Now there's no need to "pick a side"--this groundbreaking book helps professionals skillfully blend the best of both behavioral approaches to respond to "each child's individual needs". Developed by one of the…

This two-book package + DVD presents a parent training approach that is accessible, evidence based, and highly practical. Grounded in developmental and behavioral research, the "Practitioner's" Guide provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting parent training individually or in groups. It takes proven techniques for promoting the…

Designed for parents or teachers of young children with autism, this guide outlines the development stages in nonverbal or visual thinking, communication, imitation, and play in children with and without autism. In the section on nonverbal or visual thinking skills, the paper addresses simple sorting and matching, the purpose of sorting, and more…

This paper discusses toilet training children with autism using techniques recommended by TEACCH consultants. It recommends looking at the problem from the perspective of the student with autism in order to build in many elements of visual structure that will help the child understand exactly what is expected. Teachers are urged to look at each…

A review of the development of self and empathy in infancy in general is followed by discussion of atypical development, noting that autistic children have a general deficit in development of empathic capacity and physical and representational sense of self. Specific interventions to enhance the development of both sense of self and empathic…

This article discusses supporting friendship formation in young children with autism. Strategies for facilitating friendships are discussed and include creating opportunities for displaying special talents and abilities; discovering common interests; adapting the curriculum and available materials; and recognizing the importance of school to home…

Discusses the characteristics of shy and withdrawn children, and offers parents and educators techniques to identify and overcome these phenomena in young children. Notes that parents and educators should be aware that excessive shyness can be a symptom of autism or emotional problems. (MDM)

Bridging the gap between child development and strategies for inclusion, this book is intended to help early childhood practitioners and pre-service teachers feel better equipped to meet the needs of all the children in their early childhood setting. Each chapter of the book is a case study introducing a child (ages birth to 8 years) with one or…

This report discusses the identification and treatment of young children with autism. It is divided into four components that include a summary of areas that should be addressed when designing programs and services for young children with autism. The first part describes characteristics of autism, differences between autism-related disorders, and…

"I know there is something wrong, but what? How do I know if outside help for this child is needed? How do I tell parents that their child could have a learning difficulty?" These are questions that most nursery workers, at some point in their careers, will have to face. Based on the lives of real children and typical situations in early years…