THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR KIDS WITH
AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
(And Their Parents)

by Elizabeth Verdick & Elizabeth Reeve

Copyright © 2012

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASD are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get “stuck” on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing (“stims”). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance.

Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions (“What is ASD?” “Why me?”) and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, and resources. Sections for parents offer additional information. Ages 8-13.

AUTISM & READING COMPREHENSION
Ready-to-Use Lessons for Teachers

by Joseph Porter, M.ED.

Copyright ©2011

The predictable format, repetition, and routine of these lessons will create a relaxed learning environment, while the variations in the topics will hold students’ attention and help them generalize the reading skills they need to succeed.

Starting with Level 1 (The Cat) and ending with Level 9 (The Lizard), special-educator Joseph Porter has developed an amazing 90 hours of animal-themed, whole-group instruction. There are two student worksheets for each of nine animals. Each worksheet has four variations, and there is a ready-to-go lesson plan for each one.

There are also two sentence-building exercises for each animal theme, which will build students’ observation skills and help them transform those skills into conversation and written language. In addition to the step-by-step lesson plans, this resource provides a detailed description of what the lessons will look and feel like in the classroom, complete with valuable, first-hand advice. The appendix provides numerous suggestions for complementary activities for each animal theme to supplement on the “off” days with art projects, music, books, and videos.

It also includes a section containing Data-Collection Sheets, assessment forms to record students’ progress per IEP standards. The companion CD-ROM contains all of the worksheets, lesson plans, visual tools, and assessment forms for quick-and-easy print.

VISUAL TECHNIQUES FOR
DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS
Activities & Lesson Plans for Teaching Children with
High-Functioning Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome

by Rebecca Moyes

Copyright © 2011

Social skills instruction for K‑8th grade children on the autism spectrum requires an emphasis on visuals, or “show‑teaching” techniques, rather than language‑based instruction. This book fulfills that need, consisting of easy‑to‑use, step‑by‑step lesson plans with a wealth of visual tools and aids for teaching children with high‑functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. These K‑8 lesson plans, featuring explicit IEP goals, can be incorporated into both General Education and Special Education classrooms and offer both individual and small‑group instruction.