Children and youth with Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning autism (HFA), and pervasive developmental disorders-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and related exceptionalities have great potential, but all too often their abilities are not realized. Simple Strategies that Work! provides ideas and suggestions that teachers can use to help a student with AS/HFA on the road to success. The book discusses problems that arise in the classroom and how teachers can adjust the classroom to accommodate, while not interfering with normal classroom routines. Not boggled down with jargon, the book includes tables and boxes for quick reference and clear meaning. Also included is information on what can cause anxiety for the AS/HFA student, how this can lead to decreased academic and social performance, decreased attention to task, and potential increases in behavior problems, and what the teacher can do to assist.

Excerpt:

“The strategies can be applied to students of all ages – preschool through high school. In addition, they can be applied in all settings – in the classroom, on the playground, in the hallways at school, during lunch, physical education, recess, and specials, as well as on field trips.

Besides, the strategies, while effective, are simple enough for everyone to use. That is, in addition to teachers and related support personnel, administrators, office staff, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals will find that these supports lay the groundwork for more successful experiences for students with AS/HFA. In many cases, they are helpful for all students!”

About the Authors:

Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., writes and speaks internationally on Asperger Syndrome and autism. The author and co-author of numerous publications, Myles’ recent books include Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome: Strategies for Success in Inclusive Settings, The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solutions for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations, One-A-Day Calendar: Hidden Curriculum – Items for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations, Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success, Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Issues, Practical Solutions for Making Sense of the World, This is Asperger Syndrome, and Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns.

Diane Adreon, M.A., is associate director of the University of Miami/Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities. Ms. Adreon has presented nationally and internationally on high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. Ms. Adreon is the co-author (with Myles) of Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success (2001 winner of the Autism Society of American Literary Achievement Award). She serves on the editorial boards of Focus on Autism & Developmental Disorders and Intervention in School & Clinic.

Dena Gitlitz, a woman with autism, is a writer, artist, and speaker, who presents nationally on autism and Asperger Syndrome. Her unique perspective addresses thought processes, sensory sensitivities, common challenges, and support strategies. She serves on the professional advisory board of MAAP Services Inc., and the Autism Society of the Palm Beaches.

What others are saying:

“I love this book! The secret is in its simplicity. I plan to use the book as a training guide for school staff working with students with AS/HFA. I particularly love the clever way each strategy has been introduced, with titles like ‘Live Out Loud,’ and brief and easy-to-understand explanations of why it is important to use a given strategy. The ideas are appropriate for all educational environments – from early childhood to adult work situations – and are laid out in a user-friendly way so as to be easily understood by special education as well as mainstream personnel. I will buy multiple copies!”

- Kari Dunn Buron, autism resource specialist, author of When My Worries Get Too Big! and co-author of The Incredible 5-Point Scale

“Strategies That Work! is an excellent resource for any teacher, regardless of level or specialization. It contains strategies that are practical and positive not only for students with AS/HFA, but for everyone in the class. I will be referring to it often for suggestions as well as reassurance.”

- Kristen E. Hagen, M.S., elementary teacher and educational consultant

“Strategies That Work! is best summed up as a gem! It is easy to use, blissfully brief, yet thoroughly comprehensive. These suggestions WORK, both in the classroom and around the school, camps, and home. Every teacher should have a copy. Every parent and anyone who interacts daily with people on the spectrum should have a copy as well.”

- Susan Moreno, president, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome

“This book tells about a lot of the problems kids with AS deal with. It gives good suggestions that are comprehensive and well organized so they will be easy for teacher to look through and find ideas quickly.”

- Cameron Blackwell, age 14

“I can’t wait to get this book into the hands of my sons’ teachers! It is full of easy-to-understand descriptions of the challenges our kids face and step-by-step strategies that can be implemented in the school setting. It will be my new IEP conference companion!”

- Jen Blackwell, special education para educator and mother of four children, one with Asperger Syndrome and one with high-functioning autism

“This book is filled with great strategies that are easy to implement and will assist in reducing stress for students diagnosed with AS/HFA. I plan to use this book for staff development for our extended learning staff this fall.”

- Kathy L. Mangino, director of Extended Learning, Olathe District Schools

“Meeting AS/HFA students’ needs as a classroom teacher is challenging, but this book makes the job easier by offering practical, applicable strategies for everyday use. Teachers can implement the suggested procedures and helpful hints immediately and assist students without AS/HFA as well.”

- Nancy Hildreth, middle school teacher, Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea Catholic School