Key Learning Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Educators and parents alike will find it extremely helpful as they navigate the often perplexing world of ASD. Addressing topics which include empathy, social engagement, communication, and attention, Whitman and DeWitt outline strategies that will enable caregivers to teach autistic children the skills they need to survive and thrive in a world that can be unforgiving in its demand for conformity.

Whitman and DeWitt manage to strike the perfect balance between theory and practical advice… those who've gone past the overwhelmed stage and entered the determined stage will find enormous support. The authors are refreshingly matter-of-fact in their approach to autism and based solidly in the scientific camp. With their help, parents, educators, and children can all make great strides.

-- Foreword Magazine
Dr. Whitman and Nicole DeWitt have produced a practical, evidence-based, 'must-have' resource for parents, providers and educators who work with children with autism. Key Learning Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders cuts through the confusion of the myriad of options of interventions available. It distils everything down to those that are proven most effective. The specific program examples included are 'where the rubber meets the road' activities that can be readily implemented in the school, office and home. Use of the information presented in this book will lead to the development of a comprehensive, customized and powerful intervention program that meets the specific needs of any child on the autism spectrum. This book is truly a gift to the autism community and to all who endeavor to help children reach their full potential! -- Laura McGuire, M.D., family physician and mother of a child with autism, Indiana, USA
Having had the privilege of working with both Dr. Whitman and Nicole DeWitt, my son has experienced firsthand the benefit of the therapies discussed in this book. These therapies allowed me to chart my son's progress and not just 'guess' how he was doing week to week. We were able to build on skills he had already mastered and keep moving forward. I was able to see what skills to work on and train my tutors how to work with my son. Matching the program to the family, whatever the dynamic, will only ensure success to the individual. I feel besides early intervention, parent training is key to any successful program for an individual struggling with ASD. -- Myra Sweeny, parent of a child with autism, Indiana, USA
Within each chapter the authors offer step-by-step lesson plans that describe practical applications of these interventions to the specific problem area being addressed. Materials lists, action plans, and troubleshooting strategies are included in each program example, which grant the parent or teacher the best possible chances for a successful outcome. The plans are issued in clear directives and include props that are easy to find or make - no shopping trip necessary. Especially helpful are the troubleshooting sections; if readers run into a problem during a session, they have immediate suggestions on what to do differently. -- ForeWord Maga