How to Be a Para Pro: A Comprehensive Training Manual for Para Professionals

This is the only autism-specific book that I know of that is written specifically for those underpaid angels of the inclusive classroom, the paraprofessional aides. Certainly aides can read the numerous other books about teaching students with autism spectrum disorders and learn a great deal from them. But this book discusses some issues that do not come up in those other books, such as what the relationship should be between the aide and the teacher.'

- The Autism Society of Wisconsin

'OUTSTANDING - The one book every paraprofessional who works with students within the autism spectrum should have. Part One is concise and highlights the essential information every paraprofessional should know when working with students within the autism spectrum. Part Two utilizes a `cook book' format, making it quick and easy to access information, allowing for immediate reference. Real-life examples and proven strategies make this book not only user friendly but immediately effective for all paraprofessionals who use it. A one of a kind!'

- James Ball, Ed.D., Director, Youth Consultation Service, Sawtelle Learning Center, Montclair, NJ

'Dr. Diane Twachtman-Cullen has fulfilled an enormous need in writing a manual that directly addresses the crucial role of paraprofessionals. This manual succeeds at many levels. It is chock full of insights, tips, and anecdotes that bring alive the everyday challenges faced by paraprofessionals, and also provides strategies to address the most common and perplexing challenges. Written in an engaging and personal manner that transcends differences in program approach or philosophy, this manual will be an invaluable resource and core reference for all educational staff - those who are paraprofessionals and those who train and work with paraprofessionals.'

- Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Childhood Communication Services, Cranston, RI

This book will be essential reading for all classroom assistants and support staff working with children with pervasive developmental disorder, autism and Asperger syndrome. It provides strategies to address the most common and perplexing behaviours and is full of insights, tips and anecdotes that bring alive the everyday challenges.

The first part gives the essential information that every paraprofessional should know when working with students within the autism spectrum. The second part provides strategies and guidelines using real life examples in an easily accessible format.

How to be a Para Pro is written in an accessible and engaging way making it an invaluable resource and core reference for all educational staff - those who are classroom assistants and those who train and work with them.

Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D CCC-SLP is the executive director of the Autism & Developmental Disabilities Consultation Centre in Cromwell, Connecticut.