This book includes a short, easy-to-read theoretical background to ASD focusing on the underlying impairments and their impact on sensory processing, motor development, play, language and communication skills, social skills, emotional development and behaviour for the relevant age group. Each developmental area is intrinsically linked and progress in one aspect of development is dependent on progress in another so a multi-disciplinary approach is essential. All the books examine the role of various individual professionals while emphasising the need to develop a multi-disciplinary approach combining their areas of expertise. The book also describes a multi-disciplinary approach to groupwork providing practical advice and photocopiable resources to enable readers to: assess individual needs; organise groups (including group members, venue and transport); set individual group targets; plan group sessions (examples of activities for each developmental area are provided); and, evaluate progress. It offers ideas for developing good teamwork, including peer review, and working towards a trans-disciplinary approach where professionals can step into each others' roles where appropriate. This title features 256pp, A4, and it is wire-o-bound. It is suitable for children of ages 11-16.

A short, easy-to-read theoretical background to ASD focusing on the underlying impairments and their impact on sensory processing, motor development, play, language and communication skills, social skills, emotional development and behaviour.

"Groupwork for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 3-5" is the first of three books promoting a multidisciplinary approach to working with children on the autism spectrum. The author team of speech & language therapists and occupational therapists have used their experience of working together in this way to create a practical resource for professionals working with children with ASD in small groups. The book aims to develop the children's skills in seven key areas of development: Communication & language; Socialisation; Play; Sensory; Motor; Behaviour; and, Emotional. Case studies, working examples, photocopiable checklists, assessment forms and session sheets are provided for group facilitators to: assess individual needs; set individual targets; create personalised programmes; plan & run group sessions; evaluate progress; and, carry out peer reviews. Forty photocopiable activities, differentiated according to the developmental area being targeted as well as the developmental level of the child, are also included. "Groupwork for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Ages 3-5" provides an invaluable resource for speech & language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, play therapists, family therapists, teachers, support staff and all those working to develop the children's skills in small groups. Parents and carers are actively encouraged to participate in groupwork with their child. 'I enjoyed joining in the group and being part of my child's therapy'.

This now classic text remains a cornerstone of continuing efforts to develop inclusive peer play programs for children on the autism spectrum. The second edition has been thoroughly revised to reflect major new developments in the field of autism. Notable additions include an updated description of the Integrated Play Groups (IPG) model and related research; an examination of the nature of autism and of play from past to present, with major updates on incidence, diagnosis, and characteristics; and a comprehensive review of play interventions. Presenting vivid descriptions of three children with autism over a 10-year period (from age 5 to age 16), Play and Imagination in Children with Autism: Traces the development of the children as they overcome obstacles to enter into the play culture of their peers.Focuses on two critical years during which the children participated in a peer play group.Documents the emergence of remarkable transformations in the children’s social relations with peers and symbolic activity.Includes vignettes, dialogue, and samples of writing and drawing to bring the children’s stories to life.Lays out the implications for new directions in research and practice. Pamela J. Wolfberg is Associate Professor of special education and Director of the autism spectrum graduate program (Project Mosaic) at San Francisco State University. “Play and Imagination in Children with Autism has been the cornerstone of my professional and personal life for nearly a decade. This updated edition retains the original accessible style, explaining so clearly the pivotal role that peer play holds in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum, while providing readers with cutting-edge developments in theory, research, and practice in the field.” —Heather McCracken, Founder/Executive Director, Friend 2 Friend Social Learning Society “Dr. Wolfberg continues to break new ground with the second edition of her book. What a pleasure for any child to get involved in one of her integrated play groups, and what a relief for parents to know that their child is both learning and having fun! This is a wonderful resource for professionals interested in creating engaging and effective social skills groups for children on the autism spectrum.” —Connie Kasari, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies “Children with autism benefit in so many ways from social play experiences, despite the significant challenges in symbolic development. Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, a leading expert in this crucial aspect of children's development, once again guides us in a highly engaging manner in supporting social and play development for children with ASD.” —Barry M. Prizant, Director, Childhood Communication Services, Brown University “This book is a ‘must’ for anyone who wants to bring about genuine social reciprocity and imagination in children with autistic spectrum disorders. Pamela Wolfberg takes us on a journey through previously uncharted territory, documenting in rich qualitative detail how to scaffold entry into the culture of peer play.” —Adriana L. Schuler, San Francisco State University “Dr. Wolfberg has done a fine and sensitive job in characterizing the pivotal role that play skills hold in the social and linguistic world of the child with autism. Her development of Integrated Peer Play Groups, and the delineation of the autistic child as the ‘Novice Player’ and the typical child as the ‘Expert Player,’ is a very valuable heuristic tool to all who work with children with autism.” —Bryna Siegel, Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute, University of California, San Francisco

Addressing the gender gap in the understanding of autism, this multi-perspective book explores the educational needs of girls on the autism spectrum from early years to secondary school, in both mainstream and special settings. The collection, comprising insights from autistic women and girls and educational and medical professionals makes recommendations for a collaborative and integrated approach that enables girls on the spectrum to reach their full potential. By establishing close collaborations between girls on the spectrum, their parents, teachers and specialist professionals, the field can move forwards in terms of providing understanding and an appropriate educational framework for success.