Understanding the Nature of Autism: A Practical Guide

Much of the literature on autism consists of research reviews, recipes to resolve a single problem, or a narrow range of issues. Unraveling and applying this information with any flexibility is difficult for the practitioner who is faced with everyday challenges. In Understanding the Nature of Autism, author Janice E. Janzen examines the spectrum of autism, describes deficits and strengths and providing practical information and strategies. Her goal is to lead teachers and caregivers to a deeper understanding and recognition of the potential of those with autism. This valuable and insightful, 450-page manual can be considered a primer in autism and is an excellent resource for training parents, teachers, and program personnel. Revealed in its contents: *

Part 1 establishes the foundation for understanding autism and its impact on learning and thinking. *

Part 2 addresses assessment and evaluation issues. Strategies are provided for solving common problems and eliciting relevant information. *

Part 3 presents guidelines for making decisions and planning positive educational programs and support systems. *

Part 4 provides a base for planning interventions and introduces a set of strategies to address the most common deficits and problems of those with autism. *

Part 5 integrates information from previous chapters and applies it to the process for teaching a broad range of new skills. *

Part 6 summarizes the processes and strategies and addresses some potentially serious problems. Anecdotes, examples, and an extensive case study illustrate the principles and concepts. Numerous figures, reproducible recordkeeping forms, and a glossary of terms further aid the reader.

Janice E. Janzen has been involved in the field of autism since 1972, first as a teacher in early childhood classes in a private treatment center and in the public school system in Anchorage, Alaska. Later, as an Autism Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education, she was instrumental in developing services for students with autism across the state. While at the Department, Janzen had statewide responsibility to support Regional Autism Specialists, to consult in difficult situations, to develop training materials, and to conduct workshops for educators and parents.Janzen received a B.S. degree in Elementary Early Childhood Education from the University of Oregon; and the MS degree in Special Education/Learning Disabilities from the University of Alaska. Her initial autism training at the Judevine Center in St. Louis, Missouri, occurred simultaneously with her master's program. During this period, she began to develop her unique understanding of the autism learning style.Janzen has a special interest and concern with the problems of families, and emphasizes the need for families and educators to work collaboratively. She is a cofounder of the Autism Council of Oregon, an organization for parents and professionals. She has written numerous technical assistance and special topics papers on autism for distribution by the Oregon Department of Education. Her RAPSOURCE papers on autism, prepared by the Head Start Training Office, Resource Access Project at Portland State University, have received wide distribution. Currently Janzen is in private practice, consulting, writing, and teaching.