Excelling with Autism

Excelling with Autism: Obtaining Critical Mass Using Deliberate Practice introduces a new way to optimize the progress of learners with ASD. Reaching critical mass helps learners apply information in new ways spontaneous generalization. This book is about doing things differently to positively impact individuals on the spectrum by supporting the development of critical mass in areas that are necessary for successful functioning in home, work, and community using the research-based elements of deliberate practice. In this book, the four elements of deliberate practice -- developing specific goals, ensuring focus, moving out of the comfort zone, and communicating outcomes -- are applied to teaching social, communication, and daily living skills. Critical mass and the related science of deliberate practice will change the life course of individuals with ASD. Incorporating the elements of deliberate practice is a critical step toward helping individuals with ASD to reach their unlimited potential.

Brenda Smith Myles, PhD, is an associate professor, University of Kansas. She is an internationally recognized authority on autism. Dr. Myles has made over thousands of presentations all over the world, and has written more than 250 articles and books on autism spectrum disorder. In the latest survey conducted by the University of Texas, she was acknowledged as the second most productive applied researcher in ASD in the world. Her awards include: Yes She Can Inc., Advocates for Adults with Autism Award (2016) ; University of Alabama/Glenwood Scholar (2015); National Parenting Publications Bronze Award (2014) and American Academy of Pediatrics Autism Champion (2013), among many others.

Kerry Mataya, MEd, is the Executive Director of Bridgeway Services providing individual and group intervention-based services in the areas of social development, problem-solving, perspective taking, academics, self-awareness, behavior regulation, and executive function. Mataya co-authored Successful Problem-Solving for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Hollis Shaffer is a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he is pursuing a major in psychology and a career in assisting students with HF-ASD. Shaffer was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was 14-years-old after being misdiagnosed with ADHD for many years. He works with Bridgeway Services as an assistant and group leader.