Teaching Adolescents With Autism

Walt Kaweski is a student teacher supervisor at California State University, Sacramento. With thirty-four years of experience in public education, he has taught a wide variety of subjects and grade levels including high school English, intervention reading and math, history, and instrumental music. Kaweski was awarded the 2007 Teacher of the Year Award by his school district for his work developing a successful inclusion program for students with autism. In partnership with Sacramento State University, he trains teacher candidates pursuing the special education credential. He has presented at local, state and national conferences on topics concerning inclusion support and friendship development for students with autism. Kaweski earned his Master of Arts in Special Education from Sacramento State University. He is a certified Moderate-Severe Special Education Specialist and Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development Specialist.

Foreword Preface Acknowledgements About the Author Introduction 1. Understanding Autism 2. Understanding Inclusive Education 3. Promoting Positive Behavior 4. Communication 5. Friendship and Belonging 6. Understanding Support: Successful Strategies for Supporting Diverse Learning Needs 7. Classroom Instruction: Effective Strategies for Whole Group Instruction 8. Organization Resources Special Education Support Resources Inclusion Support Resource Behavior Support Resources Instructional Assistant Support Guide References Index

"A welcome and needed addition to the literature, the author presents educators, related professionals, and parents an easy-to-read resource for understanding and successfully teaching middle and high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I wish this book were available when I was a child struggling through the academic and social challenges of public school." -- Stephen M. Shore, Assistant Professor of Special Education "This is not only a handy reference tool for fundamentals of the terminology and history but also a guide for effective instructional strategies. During the past 10 years, I have had several autistic high school students in my classroom; the descriptions of the social aspects of school and their impact on the autistic student are realistically described in this book and should be read by all teachers." -- Patricia Waller, Former President "This is a book worthy of study by all members of the educational community whether they are working with autism syndrome students or not. The concepts presented speak to a creating and maintaining a child-centered classroom that provides an education fashioned to meet the needs of each student." -- Stephen D. Shepperd, Retired School Administrator "Kaweski's exciting new addition to the field presents complex issues in very accessible language. He offers dozens of practical, research-based practices for educating students with autism in inclusive settings. I strongly endorse this user-friendly planning guide." -- Mary Beth Doyle, Associate Professor of Education