Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice

Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice provides the need for a comprehensive text on the subject of ASD, thoroughly discussing the cause, characteristics, and approaches by theoretical perspective used by educators. Drawing from her classroom experience, Laura Hall explains the communication and social and relationship issues faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders and presents educators with best practices and programs for increasing academic achievement. In her newest book, the author guides educators in identifying, placing, and instructing students through real-life classroom and family cases. She includes strategies to determine the cause of ASD, a step-by-step guide for assessment, and evidence-based approaches to educate students through examination of the major theoretical perspectives–applied behavior analysis, developmental and social-relational, and the TEACCH approach. Furthermore, the text addresses: the use of evidence-based practices in the education of individuals with ASD mandated by the laws, IDEA 2004 and NCLB; approaches that take into account families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; applied behavior analysis; and working collaboratively with families and building communities of practice. This new and unique text will not only describe the most common practices implemented for learners with ASD, but will identify those that are evidence-based, and provide the best suggestions for future research in the field.

In her newest book, Laura J. Hall writes a theoretical, contemporary, and practical approach to teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Throughout the text, this established author addresses the communication and social and relationship issues faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders, presents educators with best practices and programs for increasing academic achievement, and guides her readers in identifying, placing, and instructing students through real-life classroom and family cases. The text introduces the strategies used to determine the cause of ASD, a step-by-step guide for assessment, the use of evidence-based practices to educate these individuals as mandated by the laws, and a thorough examination of the major theoretical perspectives. Unique to textbooks for the field, Hall also addresses families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, working collaboratively with all families, and building communities of practice. This exceptional resource will prepare practicing and future educators to succeed at implementing the best, most common and current evidence-based practices for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Special Features Include:

• “In Their Words”–the stories, quotes, interviews and comments of real adults who deal with autism on a daily basis.
• “Evolution of Practices/Events”– captures the history of how the strategies, approaches and practices related for treating autism came to be.
• Important and relevant strategies and practical examples for working with people who have ASD–featured throughout the entire text.
• Strategies are arranged by theoretical perspective–included are the physiological, applied behavior analysis, developmental, social-relational, and cultural theoretical perspectives.
• A solid research emphasis is attended to throughout the text–includes a review of the evidence for presented practices and suggestions for future research on the topics addressed.
• A unique chapter on ASD and cultural and linguistic diversity.