Inspired by the often uncomfortable interplay between autistic individuals, parents and professionals in understanding autistic spectrum conditions, Olga Bogdashina uses the concept of Theory of Mind (ToM) to consider these groups' different (and often conflicting) perspectives. ToM is the ability to imagine and make judgements about what others feel and think; its absence in autistic individuals is called 'mindblindness'. This book addresses the 'mindblindness' of people united in their interest in autism but divided by their different angles and perspectives. Divided into four parts, the book first defines autism, then the views of the three main groups working with it - autistic individuals, parents and professionals - under the headings of classifications, diagnosis, causes, development, theories and treatment. By comparing and reconciling the different perspectives in this way, the book helps each group to understand and predict each other's responses and behaviours. This enlightening and innovative book offers a unique way of 'stepping in each other's shoes' and is a valuable resource for all people living or working with autism.

This book provides an innovative, easy-to-follow curriculum for teaching children with autism spectrum disorders to relate to and interact with others successfully by developing basic Theory of Mind skills. Containing twelve lesson plans and 220 cut-out-and-keep cards, it is an essential resource for teachers and other education professionals.

This book will assist practitioners who work with autistic people to comprehend sensory perceptual differences in autism. Strategies for dealing with sensory integration dysfunction are presented in a manner that can easily be understood by practitioners and carers.

This is an accessible guide for all trainees and teachers, providing practical, evidence-informed ways to support neurodivergent learners that will also benefit all pupils. It takes a close look at the theory around autism, including procedural /semantic memory, executive functioning, expressive/receptive language, sensory integration, behaviour as communication, and the importance of emotional literacy, co-regulation and resilience. It then delivers plenty of practical advice and suggestions to incorporate these ideas into day-to-day teaching, presenting high quality strategies to promote positive relationships and maximise teaching and learning outcomes. The book moves away from labels and encourages good inclusion practice to address the full range of needs in both mainstream primary and secondary classrooms.

The first part of the series: Becoming a Professional Parent covers a range of sensory perceptual issues, provides ideas and tips (how to help the child) and will help those who live with and/or work with autistic children. The author (both a parent and a professional) uses examples from her own life and combining with research to be able to give parents the know-how and relevant knowledge when it comes to sensory issues.

Lawson lays out her theory of Single Attention and Associated Cognition in Autism. Whereas neurotypical people easily shift their attention from one interest to another, those on the autism spectrum tend to focus on a single theme. When this learning style is understood individuals on the autism spectrum can achieve their full potential.

Providing a theoretical foundation for understanding communication and language impairments specific to autism, Olga Bogdashina explores the effects of different perceptual and cognitive styles on the communication and language development of autistic children. She stresses the importance of identifying each autistic individual's nonverbal language - which can be visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, auditory, olfactory or gustatory - with a view to establish a shared means of verbal communication. She offers an explanation of why certain approaches, for example PECS, might work with some autistic children but not others. Offering real insights, the `What They Say' sections enable the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and to understand their language differences first hand. `What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations on what to do in order to help autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with practical recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.