This informative and practical guide to the Miller Method® presents an entirely new perspective on advancing the social and communicative skills of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Taking a cognitive developmental approach that actively and dynamically engages children with objects and events, the authors argue that these children learn more effectively when their entire bodies are actively and repetitively involved in the process, as opposed to a more traditional approach which maintains children must learn to sit at a desk or table quietly before it is possible to teach them. Chapters outline the underlying principles of the Miller Method® and its practical application, and cover major issues such as communication skills, and social play, and day-to-day behavioural issues, including aggression, eating issues and toilet training. A chapter on research outcome demonstrates the efficacy of the method in practice.This practical resource is essential reading for parents and professionals living and working with children with ASDs.
Foreword by Diane Twachtman-Cullen. Foreword by Stuart G. Shanker. Preface: Beyond Compliance. Part I About Children's Systems. 1. What Makes the Miller Method(R) Unique? 2. Children as Victims or Masters of Their Systems. 3. Searching for Capacity. Part II Treatment. 4. Getting Started with the Miller Method(R). 5. Elevating the Special Child: Creating an Enhanced Reality. 6. Exploiting Systems to Develop Social Capacity. 7. Prelude to Communication, by Kristina Chretien. 8. Becoming a Child Who Communicates. Part III Education. 9. Teaching the Child to Cope. 10. Teaching to Children's Reality. Part IV Research. 11. Research and Applications of the Miller Method(R). Appendix A Glossary. Appendix B Miller Diagnostic Survey for Children with Developmental Issues. Appendix C Sam and the Boys. Appendix D The Language and Cognitive Development Center. References. Index.
This is very useful book for educational psychologists working in the Early Years setting as it gives many valuable interventions, use of special apparatus and ideas. The author mentions research that showed the effectiveness of the Sign and Spoken Language Programme as well as the positive effect of the symbol Accentuated Reading Programme for children with ASD and learning difficulties. The Miller Method is undoubtedly a useful tool in developing the social and communication skills of the difficult-to-reach child with ASD.
