Initiations and Interactions: Early Intervention Techniques for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Teresa A. Cardon

Social communication is a critical priority for children with ASD. Initiations and Interactions provides many helpful suggestions and activities for parents and professionals that will support their efforts in enhancing social communication for children with ASD.

— Barry Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Director of Childhood Communication Services, Adjunct Professor, Center for the Study of Human Develop, Brown University

Asperger Syndrome and the Elementary School Experience: Practical Solutions for Academic & Social Difficulties
by Susan Thompson Moore

This book is a 'must' for both parents and teachers who are living and working with children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. The information is especially practical and useful since the author is both a parent of a child with AS and a teacher. She knows what really works.

— Sally Bligh, Director, Bligh Speech Therapy Center

The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders
by Jan Johnston-Tyler

The Mom's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and Related Disorders is a terrific addition to the literature! It is easy to read and understand and is jam-packed with tons of useful information. I particularly like the suggestions regarding discussing the challenges of AS in ways that are appropriate to the child's age and issues. The sections on IDEA, navigating the special education system, and picking and choosing your issues are also well done. This is a book you need to add to your library of resources.

— Diane Adreon, associate director, University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, and co-author of Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success and Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities

Excerpt from pages 1 - 3 of Practical Solutions for Educating Young Children with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Chapter 1

Understanding Students with High-Functioning Autism
or Asperger Syndrome

JOSHUA was having a difficult time in his preschool classroom. It was hard for him to follow along with the group. He always wanted to be at the train table, building tracks for his favorite Thomas train characters. While he was way ahead of his classmates in many pre-academic skills, he was only interested in demonstrating those skills if they were geared to his interest in trains. He also had a tendency to get extremely upset with little warning, although some triggers for such behavior were predictable. For example, if a child altered the train track or began playing with trains that were not part of Johua's scenario, he became extremely agitated.

At such times, he might hit the peer. He had also hit the teacher when she intervened in such situations. It was almost impossible to speak calmly with him at these times. His parents were at a loss as to how to help motivate him to behave better and to pay more attention to the teacher.

This chapter will describe the characteristics of preschool children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA). In particular, sensory and learning characteristics, including the need for external reinforcement and the difficulties posed by attentional deficits. The chapter will also review the communication, behavioral, and social characteristics of young learners with AS and HFA, as well as the common challenges they face in school settings.

As is true for all students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) students with HFA or AS vary widely, and each has particular strengths and challenges. Nevertheless, there are certain common sensory, attentional, learning, and communication difficulties that it is helpful to be aware of. Finally, there are behavioral and social issues that are specific to this population, and that greatly impact upon the learner, peers, and the entire educational community. See Table 1.1 for a summary of characteristics. In the following, we will look briefly at each of these characteristics.