The Educator′s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder

"The field of autism and education has had a difficult time closing the research to practice gap. That is why this book has been so refreshing to read. As practitioners, researchers, and parents of a child with autism, we found it to be a valuable resource for determining which interventions are effective for which individuals and which ones are little more than fads and false promises. What we found especially important is that this book was written by researchers and practitioners with-real world classroom experience using many of the interventions and we loved the practitioner testimonials that provide a glimpse of how they are implemented in their classrooms. This is an easy to read and use guide for teachers who want to discover what interventions are likely to be most effective in providing the best educational opportunities for students with autism."  

-- Matt McNiff, PhD and Brenda McNiff, EdD

"In this comprehensive compendium, an experienced collection of authors offers practical guidance for those charged with supporting individuals with ASD, their families, and teachers. The book covers an extensive range of practices and will be an asset for any educator or school leader looking to ensure their educational programs for students with ASD are rooted in research evidence. It will also serve as a valuable resource for families advocating for appropriate school-based supports. Well done, team! Dr. Simpson would be proud."

-- Robert C. Pennington

"In this thorough review of interventions for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Drs. Otten, de Boer, and Bross have updated and extended the work of their beloved mentor, Rich Simpson. The volume is written by teachers, those who have been and currently serve on the front lines of imparting instruction, the classroom. The editors’ intent is for the book to function as a resource guide so that practitioners can, under one cover, review the appropriateness of practices to improve the overall quality of life for the students they serve. They have fulfilled this goal."

 

-- Fred Spooner

"In the age of social-media and ′new initiatives′ being promoted year after year, it can be overwhelming for teachers to know where to begin when choosing interventions, especially for social, emotional, and behavioral skills. The Educator’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorder provides a systematic breakdown of evidence-based practices organized in a cohesive format that allows teachers to quickly and easily find information relevant to their particular student needs. Interventions and research are described in easy-to read language and each section includes recommended student characteristics or prerequisite skills, as well as a rating to help teachers discern the potential effectiveness or even possibly harmful effects for their specific students. I especially love that this book includes testimonials from teachers regarding how they are currently using some of these interventions in their classrooms. It is evident that this guide was written by educators who truly understand the challenges, limited resources, and time constraints today’s teachers face." 

-- Danielle Wesley, MSEd, BCBA * Autism/Behavior Specialist, Lee’s Summit School Distri