Children with autism spectrum disorders are increasingly being educated in inclusive general education classrooms. For optimal results, teachers need to know as much as possible about autism and the teaching methods and modifications that work best for these students. This is a huge undertaking for time-crunched general education teachers, many of whom may never have had a student with autism before. Now teachers can turn to Autism in Your Classroom for the information and guidance they need.

Written by two neuropsychologists with extensive clinical and classroom experience, this new book is a concise, easy-to-read guide developed for primary school teachers (grades K- 6).

Part I provides a complete overview of the types, causes, characteristics, and treatments of autism spectrum disorders. It also explains various secondary characteristics of autism that create challenges for students, such as sensory abnormalities, behavioral issues, and limited social skills and peer interaction.

Part II focuses on the student in the classroom: It covers a variety of strategies to manage learning & behavior, such as:

• Modifying classwork & homework
• Helping with language difficulties
• Using visual strategies
• Keeping students focused & organized
• Teaching reading & math
• Using positive reinforcement & rewards
• Handling challenging behavior
• Explaining autism to other students
• Teaching social skills in the classroom
• Balancing the needs of typical and special students

Part III features two useful case studies. Both stem from the authors' hands-on work and consultation with teachers, students, and parents. The book concludes with an appendix of frequently asked questions about children with autism asked by educators.

Reviews

"Drs. Fein and Dunn provide a handbook that covers all of the hot topics faced by general educators who have students with autism spectrum disorder in their classrooms. Concepts are presented in a user-friendly way, and a generous list of additional resources in provided."
-- Dr. Rebecca Landa, Director, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

"This very comprehensive guide offers teachers clear explanations of all the components related to the education of students with autism. The authors also provide a thorough overview of how autism affects learning styles."
--Tisha Gonzalez, educational consultant and owner of Building Blox teacher supply store "A must-read for all teachers. Experts Fein and Dunn take the mystery out of educating children with ASDs by providing comprehensive, practical and user-friendly techniques for the classroom. It will also empower parents to become effective educational advocates for their child."
--Karen Siff Exkorn, MA, author of The Autism Sourcebook: Everything you Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing-From A Mother Whose Child Recovered

Contents

Introduction

Part 1: What You Need to Know about Autism Spectrum Disorders

Chapter 1 What is Autism?

Chapter 2 More about Autism Spectrum Disorders

Chapter 3 What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Chapter 4 The Impact of Autism on the Family

Chapter 5 What Treatments are Used for Children with Autism?

Part 2: The Student in Your Classroom

Chapter 6 Educational Placements

Chapter 7 Getting Started

Chapter 8 Cognition and Motor Issues

Chapter 9 Language Issues

Chapter 10 Academics

Chapter 11 Social Skills

Chapter 12 Troubleshooting Behaviors in the Classroom

Chapter 13 The Balancing Act

Chapter 14 Case Studies of Success and Failure

Chapter 15 Myths and FAQs about Autism

References

Resources

Index