Synopses & Reviews
Therapists play a crucial role in helping children and their families as they navigate the often stormy course of living with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As cases of autism are increasingly diagnosed, the number of therapists with specialized training cannot keep pace. What is the clinician without prior experience with this disability to do when considering working with a child on the autism spectrum? This "start here" book--a practical beginner's guide to ASD for therapists--provides the answer. Without getting bogged down in the complexity of the disorder or attempting to turn practitioners into autism specialists, it points therapists--novices and seasoned alike--in the right direction so they're better equipped to provide support. Because autism can manifest in so many different ways, no cookie-cutter treatment exists and therapists need to be conversant with the basics, from assessment and treatment approaches to common therapeutic issues that can arise. This book serves as an invaluable road map. is an important therapist's guide representing an all-encompassing approach to working not only with children and their parents, but also with their siblings, family members, and those in the community who are involved in their lives. Ultimately, this book provides a reassuring anchor for any clinician new to treating this disability as well as for those who are seeking alternative approaches to their ongoing work with children diagnosed with ASD.
Review
"The community of psychotherapists working with clients with autism spectrum disorder is fortunate that this book has been written. In careful step-by-step explanations, readers are led through explanations of terms, causes of the disorder, and recommendations for its remediation. Avoiding the thickets of medical terminology that have plagued earlier works, this book strikes straight to the heart of the matter. Of particular value are the 12 exemplars of agreements, forms, and checklists found in the appendices. If a part of your practice involves treating ASD, this is the book for you." John Dacey, PhD, Professor Emeritus, Boston College; author of Human Development Across the Lifespan and Your Anxious Child
Review
"A marvelous book both for beginning therapists and experienced ones, this volume provides a readable, highly useful introduction to intervention in autism. With chapters speaking to students, parents, and siblings, the book provides a thoughtful approach to developing a treatment plan as well as preparing for the future. It will be an invaluable guide for years to come." Fred R. Volkmar, MD, Chief of Child Psychiatry at Yale New Haven Hospital; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Review
"Kelly and D'Avignon offer a compassionate and detailed guide to approaching the treatment of children on the spectrum. Their book provides an unusually pragmatic and thorough introduction to the treatment challenges faced by these children, their parents, and the therapist." Richard Bromfield, PhD, Harvard Medical School, author of Doing Therapy with Children and Adolescents wi th Asperger Syndrome
Review
"A practical outline for working with a high functioning autistic person that clearly spells out the differences required in employing a therapeutic process that fits both their general profile and their particular individual needs. Both new and seasoned therapists can learn a lot from this book. The forms fit the theory. Use them!" Elsa Abele, CCC, SLP, Pragmatic Language Consultant; Associate, Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Antioch University NE
Review
"Therapists entering the world of autism need a clear and accurate guide to understanding children who, at times, seem to belong to a different culture. The explanations and advice provided by Kelly and D'Avignon are based on their considerable experience, wisdom, and thorough review of the literature. Therapists from a range of disciplines--new to the world of autism, as well as seasoned travelers such as myself--will gain knowledge and insight, both valuable and enjoyable." Tony Attwood, PhD, Chairperson, The Minds and Hearts Clinic, Brisbane, Australia; author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
Review
"[A]n extremely helpful new book . . . [V]ery useful for parents, caregivers and educators in understanding the actions of children on the autism spectrum." Parenting Press Newsletter
Review
"When a therapist gets lots in the details of a family interview, everyone begins to feel overwhelmed, maybe even confused. Having a book that outlines necessary steps is a saving grace. If you are a therapist who needs help with interviewing the family, conducting a sound assessment, developing a treatment plan, interviewing the child, and setting boundaries, objectives, and future goals, this book is for you. Working with children on the spectrum takes a lot of patience and experience, and Kelly and Plunkett D'Avignon can help you prepare." PsychCentral
Review
"" Richard Bromfield, PhD, Harvard Medical School, author of Doing Therapy with Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome
Synopsis
A practical, hands-on guide for working with children diagnosed with high functioning autism spectrum disorders.
Synopsis
This book is a guide for professionals to support them in charting the course of treatment when working with children and parents dealing with high functioning autism.
The skilled therapist has a crucial role to play in helping these children and their families to navigate what often will be a stormy course. Viewing ASD as a social communicative disorder, this book provides sound background and a discussion of therapeutic interventions. It also offers concrete tools that can be used to determine a "goodness of fit" between therapist and client. Additionally, the resources provided help to define treatment issues more clearly and will assist the therapist in preparing for potentially difficult encounters.
Charting the Course emphasizes an all-encompassing approach to working not only with the children and their parents, but also with their siblings, family members and those in the community who are involved in their lives. Checklists, descriptives, and forms are included in the book, in addition to an accompanying CD, to be used as tools for establishing an effective therapeutic relationship and charting the course of treatment.
The book will provide an anchor for any therapist new to treating this disability as well as for those who are seeking alternative approaches to their ongoing work with this population.
Synopsis
So many patients present with ASDs, where should a therapist begin? With many factors to consider—family of origin, behavioral and psychological issues, basic assessment—establishing therapeutic goals can be overwhelming. This book provides essential forms and explanations for navigating early treatment, emphasizing family engagement.
Synopsis
This book is a guide and support for professionals—particularly those who have not dealt with this issue very much—for working with children and parents dealing with high functioning autism.
The skilled therapist has a crucial role to play in helping these children and their families to navigate what often will be a stormy course. Viewing ASD as a social communicative disorder that responds to specific cognitive behavioral interventions, this book provides not only sound background and information on the use of tried-and-true therapeutic interventions, but also offers concrete tools that can be used in conjunction with therapy to help more clearly define the issues and be prepared for potentially difficult encounters.
It emphasizes an all-encompassing approach to working not only with the children and their parents, but also with their siblings and other family members, as well as others in the community who are involved in the lives of these children. Checklists, descriptives, and forms designed as pull-out sections can be used as homework assignments to be completed and discussed within individual therapy sessions with parents, children, and families alike.
The book will provide an anchor for any therapist facing this issue for the first time in their practice, as well as for those who want a solid foundation to map out a course of treatment.
About the Author
Linda Kelly , PhD, is a school psychologist with the Brookline Public School district and a lecturer in ASD-related topics. She lives in Braintree, Massachusetts. Please visit PDKAutism.org to contact Dr. Kelly.Janice Plunkett D'Avignon, PhD, a clinical psychologist, lectures at Boston College and is in private practice specializing in ASD. She lives in Hingham, Massachusetts. Please visit PDKAutism.org to contact Dr. D'Avignon.