Autism Spectrum Disorders: Foundations, Characteristics, and Effective Strategies

Responding to the increasing numbers of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in schools, and the need for all teachers to be prepared with research-based strategies to instruct these students, this new book provides a comprehensive overview of what autism spectrum disorders are, their identification, and treatment approaches; specific information on diagnosis, learning behavioral, cognitive, and sensory characteristics, and etiology; and evidence-based practices for instruction, including social skills, communication, and academics. Other featured concepts include: a model for determining appropriate, individualized practices; assessment and planning including environmental planning; information to support teachers as they develop programs and learning environments; technology and transition; and working with families of students with ASD. Additionally, special pedagogical features found throughout the book offer more coverage of diversity, trends and issues, and research. Written in an easy-to-follow format, this newly acclaimed book implements a real-world approach to working with students of autism spectrum disorders, with authentic examples and a strong focus on research-based practice, offering the best information for teachers or future teachers in today’s classrooms.

Dr. Amanda Boutot is a Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA) and the Graduate Coordinator for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis at Texas State University. Her publications include Autism Encyclopedia: The Complete Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders (with Matt Tincani; Prufrock Press, 2009) as well as several book chapters and peer-reviewed publications.

Dr. Brenda Smith, a consultant with the Ziggurat Group and the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Chief Program Officer for the Autism Society of America, is the recipient of the 2004 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Professional Award and the 2006 Princeton Fellowship Award. Brenda has made over 500 presentations all over the world, written more than 150 articles and books on autism and Asperger Syndrome, and served as the co-chair of the National ASD Teacher Standards Committee. She was on the National Institute of Mental Health’s Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee’s Strategic Planning Consortium and the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors. In addition, she was recently acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world from 1997 to 2004.