Dear Friends & Colleagues,

I am excited to share news about my latest book, Initiations and Interactions, with the autism community. I have had the pleasure of working with many amazing families and children who have taught me so much along my journey. This book is a labor of love based on those teachings.

One thing I have learned is how difficult it is for families to receive the services they and their children so desperately need. Initiations and Interactions is designed to support families as they help their children develop and improve their social communication in everyday activities.

One of my favorite aspects of Initiations and Interactions is that it puts power in parents' hands! Parents really can help their children develop social communication skills and this book is a quick-and-easy how-to guide! Rather than adding more to an already full schedule, the strategies and techniques suggested here are carried out as parents go about their daily lives, in the kitchen, in the car, etc.

Professionals, don't worry - the strategies are great for everyday interactions that you participate in as well! That is the beauty of Initiations and Interactions, it supports all types of communication every day, every where!

Happy Reading!

Teresa A. Cardon, M.A. CCC-SLP

I recommend the following AAPC books as supplemental reading to Initiations and Interactions. In AAPC's time-honored tradition, these materials are all easy to use or read, and based on sound practice with individuals on the autism spectrum.

	BeeVisual's Choiceworks™ System By using the preferred learning style of most individuals on the autism spectrum -visual-- BeeVisual's Choiceworks helps parents communicate with their child in a way that encourages the child to stay focused on the decisions he or she has to make every day. Also the boards promote communication between the child and parent.
	Finding Our Way Kristi Sakai This book is very beneficial for parents who are trying to make their home environment as effective as possible for the entire family, including a child with Asperger Syndrome. Finding Our Way emphasizes the importance of home life being unique in the way that parents interact with their children and vice versa.
	My Book Full of Feelings: How to Control and React to the SIZE of Your Emotions Amy Jaffe and Luci Gardner Children on the autism spectrum often have difficulty recognizing, regulating and expressing their feelings in ways that are effective and acceptable. Body language and voice level are major components in expressing feelings. My Book Full of Feelings helps children understand just how intense or reserved their expressions to various situations should be.