Gardening for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs Engaging with Nature to Combat Anxiety, Promote Sensory Integration and Build Social Skills by Natasha Etherington
A garden or nature setting presents the perfect opportunity for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and special needs to learn, play and strengthen body and mind. This book empowers teachers and parents with little gardening know-how to get outside and use nature to motivate young learners.
Using a mindfulness approach, Natasha Etherington presents a simple gardening program that offers learning experiences beyond those a special needs student can gain within the classroom. The book outlines the many positive physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and social benefits of getting out into the garden and provides specially adapted gardening activities for a variety of needs, including those with developmental disabilities and behavioural difficulties, as well as wheelchair users. With a focus on the therapeutic potential of nature, the book shows that gardening can help reduce feelings of anxiety, provide an outlet for physical aggression, build self-esteem through the nurturing of plants and much more.
With this practical program, teachers and parents can easily adopt gardening activities into their schedules and enjoy the benefits of introducing children with special needs to nature and the rhythms of the seasons.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers http://www.jkp.com
Teaching Theory of Mind A Curriculum for Children with High Functioning Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and Related Social Challenge by Kirstina Ordetx
This book provides teachers and other professionals with a highly effective, easy-to-follow curriculum for teaching children with high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome and related social challenges to relate to and interact with others successfully by developing a solid, basic foundation in Theory of Mind (ToM).
Dr. Kirstina Ordetx provides an accessible overview of the key concepts of ToM, and explains how to assess each child's readiness for the curriculum, suggesting practical ways in which to support those who do not yet meet the minimum criteria. Twelve 60-90 minute lesson plans for use with small or large groups of children aged approximately 7-16 are then presented, each of which is accompanied by a photocopiable letter to provide parents and carers with suggested activities for practicing and reinforcing the concepts and skills learnt at home. The lesson plans are engaging and varied, and are grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an approach which is recognized as one of the most effective methods of providing developmental interventions to children on the autism spectrum. All of the supplementary materials needed to teach the curriculum are included in the book: a photocopiable assessment checklist, a photocopiable social skills poster, and over 200 cut-out-and-use flash cards.
Developed by the author over twenty years' of working with children with autism and related social challenges, and used effectively with many hundreds of students, this curriculum is an essential resource for teachers in special and mainstream education settings. It will also be of interest to other professionals involved in supporting this group, including behavioral therapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and school and guidance counsellors.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers http://www.jkp.com
Individuals with ASD Graduating From High School and Transitioning into College
(Information Provided by Autism Society of America)
Graduating from High School and going to college is an exciting time in a young adult's life. For helpful information about this time of
transition, you may want to see our pamphlet, "Preparing to Experience College Living" from our "Living with Autism" series. All our
materials are available free to download and print from our website after registering; there are many other titles on transitioning, etc. that may be helpful. Click here to read more.
Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Conditions through Everyday Transitions Small Changes - Big Challenges by John Smith, Jane Donlan and Bob Smith
Facing any type of change can cause confusion and anxiety for individuals with autism spectrum conditions. This book looks at the small transitions in everyday life that can be a big deal for a child with autism and offers simple and effective strategies to make change less of a daily challenge.
Explaining why seemingly minor changes to routine can be emotionally distressing for children with autism, this book teaches parents practical solutions for coping with common transitions including switching from a weekday to weekend schedule, the changing of the seasons, and sleeping in a different bed when on holiday. With insights from the authors' personal experiences and helpful scripts, signs and sketches to use along the way, this book shows that with planning and preparation parents can reduce the stress surrounding change for their child and the whole family.
This book is the perfect tool to help children with autism deal with change in a calmer and more confident manner and will be essential reading for parents and any professionals working alongside them.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers http://www.jkp.com
22 Things a Woman with Asperger's Syndrome Wants Her Partner to Know by Rudy Simone
Rudy Simone covers 22 common areas of confusion for someone dating a female with AS and includes advice from her own experience and from other partners in real relationships. She talks with humour and honesty about the quirks and sensitivities that you may come across when getting to know your partner. All the pivotal relationship landmarks are discussed, including the first date, sex, and even having children.
This entertaining and easy-to-read book will be ideal for anyone dating, or in a relationship with, an AS female. Women with AS themselves, and their families and friends, will also enjoy the book and find it useful. Counselors and other professionals working with women with AS will find the insight offered extremely enlightening.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers http://www.jkp.com
More Articles...
- Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts by Eileen Riley-Hall
- Kevin Thinks...about Outer Space, Confusing Expressions and the Perfectly Logical World of Asperger Syndrome by Gail Watts
- Helping Students Take Control of Everyday Executive Functions The Attention Fix by Paula Moraine
- The Asperger Children's Toolkit by Francis Musgrave
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