The Autism Discussion Page blue book focuses on the core challenges associated with autism (cognitive, sensory, social, and emotional) and provides concise, accessible information and simple tools for supporting children with these vulnerabilities.
Based on posts on the popular online community page and organised by subject for ease of reference, this book offers an excellent understanding of how children with autism process and experience the world and effective strategies for coping with the challenges.
Bill Nason, MS, LLP, runs the Autism Discussion Page on Facebook which has 40,000 likes to date. He is a mental health professional with over 30 years experience in the field of developmental disabilities, specializing in individuals with multiple severe behavior challenges. He currently works as supervisor of consultant services for a community behavioral health agency in Flint Michigan, USA, and contracts with Oakland Universitys Center for Autism to run sports programs for children with autism.
Acknowledgements. Introduction. Part 1. Acceptance and Understanding. 1.1. Acceptance and Understanding. Part 2. Cognitive Issues in Autism. 2.1. Cognitive Processing Differences. 2.2. Teaching Dynamic Thinking. 2.3. Executive Functioning. 2.4. Rigid/Inflexibility. Part 3. Sensory Issues in Autism! 3.1. Common Sensory Issues. 3.2. Sharing Different Sensory Worlds. 3.3. The World of Self Stimulation! Part 4. Social Struggles in Autism. 4.1. Why Dont I Fit In? 4.2. Teaching Relating Skills. 4.3. Peer Play and Community Inclusion. Part 5. The Emotional World on the Spectrum. 5.1. Identifying, Labelling and Controlling Emotions. 5.2. Shutdowns and Meltdowns! Part 6. Putting it all together. Where to go from here. Appendix. A. Fragile World on the Spectrum. B. Sensory Scale. C. Sensory Motor Regulatory Patterns. D. Engagement Profile. E. Deep Pressure Calming Techniques. F. Core Deficit Assessment. G. Comfort Zone Profile.
Many of us count among the 56,000 who have benefitted from Bill Nasons advice from his Autism Discussion Page on Facebook. Now Bill has shared his accumulated insights into autism in a comprehensive manual that translates autism--for the neurotypical community of teachers, parents and service providers--but also for those of us looking to enhance our own self-awareness of the inner workings of autism strategies and techniques. If you only buy two books this year, make them the Autism Discussion Page green and blue books!- Dena L. Gassner, MSW, Program Director of Center for Understanding, Board Member of GRASP, and Advisory Board Member of Autism Society of AmericaThese posts have helped me and my husband truly understand the sensory aspects of autism and how to help our son self-regulate, which has reduced his anxiety. The tips are practical and easy to implement.- Amy Bonacorsi Zoque, parent of a child with autism (from the Autism Discussion Page on Facebook)Finding out about The Autism Discussion Page marked a turning point in my understanding of autism spectrum disorders and how to support those with ASD. Bill Nasons ability to present information clearly and succinctly, as well as provide concrete tips for what to do with that information, has been a lifesaver in working with teachers to establish appropriate educational plans.- Erika Flesher, mental health therapist and parent of a child with autism (from the Autism Discussion Page on Facebook)
