Right from the Start: A Practical Guide for Helping Young Children with Autism

In Right from the Start: A Practical Guide for Helping Young Children with Autism, Karin Donahue and Kate Crassonsassert that autistic children can be successful when parents and teachers understand key principles of autism and have the tools to help these children expand their social and emotional skills. Emphasizing the importance of self-regulation—the ability to moderate our feelings and reactions—the authors describe practical strategies to help children manage their emotions and behavior, learn social and play skills, and cope with challenging sensory experiences. Right from the Start is a needed and indispensable resource for parents, professionals, and educators. With these techniques, we can lay a positive foundation that enables autistic children to be confident and successful in any environment.

Karin Donahue, PhD, is associate professor of psychology at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA. She is also a behavior specialist consultant specializing in autism and has more than thirty years of clinical experience working with children and their families.

Kate Crassons, PhD, is associate professor of English at Lehigh University and the director of the Lehigh University Press. After becoming the parent of an autistic child, her research and teaching have expanded to focus on topics including neurodiversity and disability studies.