Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1931282013 ISBN 13: 9781931282017

Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company, 2001

The motivational power of special interests has long been established. This step-by-step book shows parents and educators how to help change an unwanted or inappropriate behavior by capitalizing on the special interests that characterize children and youth with Asperger Syndrome. The approach is simple, making it easy for parents and educators to use and easy for children to learn desired behaviors. A brief, motivational text related to the child s special interest or a highly admired person is combined with an illustration, which is then made into a bookmark or business card- sized Power Card that the child can refer to whenever needed. For younger children, the special interest or hero is incorporated into a short story.

About the Author:

Elisa Gagnon, Ms.Ed. is coordinator, Asperger Syndrome Project, University of Kansas Medical Center. She is also the author (with Brenda Smith Myles) of "This is Asperger Syndrome"- a book written for children ages 6-12 to introduce siblings, peers and other children to the everyday challenges faced by children with Asperger Syndrome at home or at school.

Review:

"POWER CARDS capitalizes on the strong interests of individuals with AS to motivate and help them learn." -- Diane Adreon, Associate Director- Center for Autism, University of Miami

"Refreshingly innovative. POWER CARDS is a commonsense approach that I can't wait to try out in my own practice." -- Pamela J. wolfberg, Ph.D., Author/Consultant/Researcher- Autism Institute on Peer Relations and Play-Center for Integrated Play Groups

"This book uses a powerful learning tool- the power of motivation and building success using the child's wonderful interests." --Kathleen Quill, Ed.D, Director Autism Institute, Essex, MA