Content area
Full Text
Scheuermann, B. & Webber, J. (2002) Autism: Teaching DOES Make a Difference. Belmont: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
Intended for "practitioners who work with children and youth with lowfunctioning autism and related disorders (p. xi)," the book, Autism: Teaching DOES Make a Difference, gives a detailed look at a behavioral approach to dealing with autism. With very user-friendly language the authors have presented step-by-step, state-of-the-art information, as well as several resources including everything from sample data sheets to web sites for support groups. This book is an excellent resource for both practitioners and parents considering a program based on a behavioral approach for children with autism.
Chapter 1, Overview of Autism, gives a history and description of the disorder as well as the diagnostic process and what a diagnosis of autism means. It also talks about the type of intervention programs that may be considered, giving an overview of three theories (perceptual/ cognitive, developmental and behavioral) but focusing primarily on the behavioral theory of intervention. The authors discuss what type of characteristics a teacher should display, telling what you should look for in a person being considered to teach a child with autism. Some of the characteristics they recommend are that the person be energetic, positive, organized and consistent. They also speak of how parental involvement with the teachers and the child's program is crucial.
In Chapter...