Social Skills and Adaptive Behavior in Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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.

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Promoting better social skills and behavior is a top priority for anyone who works with learners with autism—but which practices really improve outcomes? Find out in this cutting-edge volume, a reader-friendly synthesis of the latest findings from more than 20 of today's top researchers in the field.

Coordinated by the highly respected Organization for Autism Research, this accessible book is an ideal text for future professionals and essential reading for administrators and consultants in educational settings. Readers will explore current evidence, best-practice recommendations, and future research directions for

• assessing social skills with evidence-based methods and tools
• conducting interventions that really make a difference
• promoting friendships and peer acceptance
• increasing joint attention
• implementing schoolwide positive behavior support
• improving outcomes with Pivotal Response Treatment
• strengthening children's self-help skills
• providing effective support for families of children with autism
• using appropriate pharmacologic interventions to manage symptoms associated with ASD

Readers will also get first-hand insights from individuals on the autism spectrum and their family members and service providers, who provide balanced perspectives on today's research trends and practices.

A cornerstone resource for current and future professionals working with learners of all ages, this book will help readers understand what really advances the social skills and behavior of students with autism—so they can use effective practices to improve the lives of children and families.

With contributions from

• Shahla Ala'i-Rosales
• Stephen R. Anderson
• Joanne Gerenser
• Connie Kasari
• Kathleen Koenig
• Suzanne Letso
• Erik Mayville
• Daniel Openden
• Roy Sanders
• Ilene Schwartz
• Mary Jane Weiss
• Thomas L. Zane
• and more

Reviews

Christina Whalen, Vice President, Director of the Vocational & Life Skills Academy, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ - August 2, 2012

“Addresses practical and important issues that most books on social skills don't address . . . an excellent choice for graduate students, special educators, service providers, or parents. I strongly recommend this one.”

Lynn Koegel, Clinical Director, Koegel Autism Center; Director, Eli and Edythe L. Broad Center for Asperger Research, University of California, Santa Barbara - July 23, 2012

“Addresses the huge issues relating to social areas . . . The authors include challenges, controversies, weaknesses, and future directions. A quite interesting and thought-provoking read.”

Debra Leach, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Winthrop University
- July 9, 2012

“Finally, a comprehensive literature review related to the social development of individuals with ASD. I wish I had this book on my shelf when I began my doctoral work.”

Volume Editors: Peter F. Gerhardt, Daniel Crimmins Ph.D.

Download an excerpt

Behavior Analytic Interventions for Developing Social Skills in Individuals with Autism