Simple Strategies That Work 2/e

Brenda Smith Myles, PhD, formerly a professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas, is the recipient of the Autism Society of America's Outstanding Professional Award, the Princeton Fellowship Award, American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Champion, and two-time recipient of the Council for Exceptional Children Burton Blatt Humanitarian Award. Diane Adreon, EdD, is the division director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition and Adult Programs at the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami . In addition, Diane has a private autism consulting practice and is also the author of the award-winning, Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence. Diane has presented nationally and internationally on autism. Dena Gitlitz, a woman with autism, is a writer, artist and speaker, who presents nationally on topics about autism. Her unique perspective addresses thought processes, sensory sensitivities, common challenges and support strategies. She serves on the professional advisory board of MAAP Services, Inc., and the Autism Society of the Palm Beaches.

IntroductionAbout This Book Operate on Autism Time Modify Requirements Reduce or Eliminate Handwriting Avoid Rushing Manage the Environment Prepare for Change Incorporate the Student's Preferences Build in Relaxation Provide Choices Create a Balanced Agenda That Conserves Energy Monitor Demands Use Calming and Alerting Activities Share the Agenda Use Visual Supports Simplify Language Watch for Literalness Teach Hidden Curriculum Rules Set a Calm, Positive Tone Model Acceptance Live Out Loud Verbalize Your Actions Be Generous With Praise Foster Attribution and Understanding Listen to the Words Seek and Offer Clarification Provide Reassurance Reduce Uncertainty Summary References

"I love this book! The secret is in its simplicity. I plan to use the book as a training guide for school staff working with students with AS/HFA. I particularly love the clever way each strategy has been introduced, with titles like 'Live Out Loud, ' and brief and easy-to-understand explanations of why it is important to use a given strategy. The ideas are appropriate for all educational environments - from early childhood to adult work situations - and are laid out in a user-friendly way so as to be easily understood by special education as well as mainstream personnel. I will buy multiple copies!" - Kari Dunn Buron, autism resource specialist, author of When My Autism Gets Too Big! and co-author of The Incredible 5-Point Scale "Strategies That Work! is an excellent resource for any teacher, regardless of level or specialization. It contains strategies that are practical and positive not only for students with AS/HFA but for everyone in the class. I will be referring to it often for suggestions as well as reassurance." - Kristen E. Hagen, M.S., elementary teacher and educational consultant "Strategies That Work! is best summed up as a gem! It is easy to use, blissfully brief, yet thoroughly comprehensive. These suggestions WORK, both in the classroom and around the school, camps, and home. Every teacher should have a copy. Every parent and anyone who interacts daily with people on the spectrum should have a copy as well." - Susan Moreno, president, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome "This book tells about a lot of the problems kids with AS deal with. It gives good suggestions that are comprehensive and well organized so they will be easy for teachers to look through and find ideas quickly." - Cameron Blackwell, age 14 "I can't wait to get this book into the hands of my sons' teachers! It is full of easy-to-understand descriptions of the challenges our kids face and step-by-step strategies that can be implemented in the school setting. It will be my new IEP conference companion!" - Jen Blackwell, special education para educator and mother of four children, one with Asperger Syndrome and one with high-functioning autism "This book is filled with great strategies that are easy to implement and will assist in reducing stress for students diagnosed with AS/HFA. I plan to use this book for staff development for our extended learning staff this fall." - Kathy L. Mangino, director of Extended Learning, Olathe District Schools "Meeting AS/HFA students' needs as a classroom teacher is challenging, but this book makes the job easier by offering practical, applicable strategies for everyday use. Teachers can implement the suggested procedures and helpful hints immediately and assist students without AS/HFA as well." - Nancy Hildreth, middle school teacher, Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea Catholic School