Summarizes the current state of both theoretical and experimental knowledge about learning in animals.

Coordinated by the highly respected Organization for Autism Research, this accessible text from 20+ top experts lays out current research and best-practice recommendations for promoting social skills and adaptive behavior in students with autism.

A practical guide to adaptive behaviors across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders Adaptive behavior assessment measures independent living skills, including communication, social skills, personal care, and practical work skills. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, evaluation of these skills is a critical tool for measuring eligibility and can identify specific skills that must be learned before effective educational interventions can be implemented. Essentials of Adaptive Behavior Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders describes the role of adaptive behavior in assessment and treatment, and provides clear guidance for measurement. Case samples provide real-world illustration of behaviors and assessment, and systematic comparison of various measures are presented and explained to better inform planning. Individual chapters outline specific adaptive behaviors across a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, giving clinicians, practitioners, students, and researchers a better understanding of diagnostic differentials and how to place independent skill programming in treatment and intervention. Plan intervention and treatment based on accessible measurement guidelines across a range of disorders Gain a deeper understanding of adaptive functioning specific to ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and genetic disorders Compare and contrast current measures to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and areas of overlap Quickly locate essential information with Rapid Reference and Caution boxes For individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, adaptive behaviors are the keys to independence; without them, these individuals will perpetually struggle with achieving optimum independence without the basic skills needed to function at home, in school, and in the community. Assessment allows these skills to be factored in to treatment and intervention planning, and can help improve the outcomes of other intervention methods. Essentials of Adaptive Behavior Assessment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders clarifies the assessment of these important behaviors, helping clinicians make more informed decisions around diagnosis, education, and treatment planning.

Current estimates suggest that between one and three percent of people living in the United States will receive a diagnosis of mental retardation. Mental retardation, a condition characterized by deficits in intellectual capabilities and adaptive behavior, can be particularly hard to diagnose in the mild range of the disability. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides income support and medical benefits to individuals with cognitive limitations who experience significant problems in their ability to perform work and may therefore be in need of governmental support. Addressing the concern that SSA's current procedures are consistent with current scientific and professional practices, this book evaluates the process used by SSA to determine eligibility for these benefits. It examines the adequacy of the SSA definition of mental retardation and its current procedures for assessing intellectual capabilities, discusses adaptive behavior and its assessment, advises on ways to combine intellectual and adaptive assessment to provide a complete profile of an individual's capabilities, and clarifies ways to differentiate mental retardation from other conditions.

Millions of children have been diagnosed with autism or fall somewhere within the autism spectrum. Early intervention, education, and training programs have been found to support these students immensely, leading to a higher level of independent social life than has previously been seen. Anxiety, bullying, communication, and learning abstract concepts can be a great challenge for autistic children and can also provide an obstacle for social interaction with other children. It is important to continue offering these students access to a broad, enriched, and balanced curriculum while also devising new approaches and alternative systems of communication that will help to facilitate their access to the educational process and foster adaptive behaviors. Interventions for Improving Adaptive Behaviors in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders offers a current overview of modern practices regarding the teaching of autistic children. This book seeks to update the current practices for professionals working with autistic children, offer practical information regarding interventions, and provide tools for managing autistic children in critical situations. Covering topics such as autism diagnostic observation schedule, inclusivity in schools, and vocational training for autistic people, this text is essential for teachers, special education teachers, administrators, speech therapists, academicians, researchers, students, and professionals and practitioners involved in the upbringing, education, social, and vocational inclusion of people with ASD.

This handbook is the first comprehensive text on positive psychology and disability. Emphasizing paradigmatic changes in understanding disability, the text covers traditional disciplines in positive psychology; and applications of positive psychology to domains like education or work.