Overview

This book provides teachers and other professionals with a highly effective, easy-to-follow curriculum for teaching children with high-functioning autism, Asperger syndrome and related social challenges to relate to and interact with others successfully by developing a solid, basic foundation in Theory of Mind (ToM). Dr. Kirstina Ordetx provides an accessible overview of the key concepts of ToM, and explains how to assess each child's readiness for the curriculum, suggesting practical ways in which to support those who do not yet meet the minimum criteria. Twelve 60-90 minute lesson plans for use with small or large groups of children aged approximately 7-16 are then presented, each of which is accompanied by a photocopiable letter to provide parents and carers with suggested activities for practicing and reinforcing the concepts and skills learnt at home. The lesson plans are engaging and varied, and are grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an approach which is recognized as one of the most effective methods of providing developmental interventions to children on the autism spectrum. All of the supplementary materials needed to teach the curriculum are included in the book: a photocopiable assessment checklist, a photocopiable social skills poster, and over 200 cut-out-and-use flash cards. Developed by the author over twenty years' of working with children with autism and related social challenges, and used effectively with many hundreds of students, this curriculum is an essential resource for teachers in special and mainstream education settings. It will also be of interest to other professionals involved in supporting this group, including behavioral therapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, and school and guidance counsellors.

Full Product Details

9781787750470

Table of Contents

Reviews

Provides teachers with an easy curriculum for teaching children with high functioning autism and Asperger's and focuses on interacting with others succesfully using Theory of Mind. -- Midwest Book Review When I speak with classroom teachers around the world, many say to me, I don't want to read a book about vague theories and ideals. I want practical HELP in knowing what to do in my classroom. This book fills the bill. Not everyone has the time to spend countless hours combing through the research and recommendations about instructional methods...this book lays out the plans and techniques clearly and methodically. Dr Ordetx's instructions are clear and full of examples and hints. Read on to enter her brilliant mind and incredible skills. You will find success and encouragement on every page! -- from the Foreword by Susan J. Moreno, President, Oasis MAAP Foundation As a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I believe the development of my son's Theory of Mind skills will be the most important factor in his achieving a functional level of social and communicative competence. Dr. Ordetx has developed a parent-friendly curriculum that documents ToM objectives and interventions in a clear and concise manner. Throughout the twelve week program we were able to use the recommended activities to practice skills taught during the therapy sessions. The progress in my son's social understanding was very encouraging. He started understanding why it was important to stay checked-in with his partners during interactions and for me that is huge! -- Mother of Ben, age 8 My daughter has struggled with social skills for years. Once she started the Social Experience training, we noticed a higher level of awareness of the communications occurring with and around her. By the end of the program, our daughter was independently using the strategies taught on a daily basis to check in to social exchanges and actively participate in conversations. It is my opinion that this Theory of Mind curriculum trains the brain to become more naturally aware of social interactions outside of one's self . Finally, our daughter is interested in participating in conversations that are not always about her own interests. She now has a genuine desire to improve her socialization skills. -- Mother of Greta, age 13

"Provides teachers with an easy curriculum for teaching children with high functioning autism and Asperger's and focuses on interacting with others succesfully using Theory of Mind. -- Midwest Book Review When I speak with classroom teachers around the world, many say to me, ""I don't want to read a book about vague theories and ideals. I want practical HELP in knowing what to do in my classroom."" This book fills the bill. Not everyone has the time to spend countless hours combing through the research and recommendations about instructional methods...this book lays out the plans and techniques clearly and methodically. Dr Ordetx's instructions are clear and full of examples and hints. Read on to enter her brilliant mind and incredible skills. You will find success and encouragement on every page! -- from the Foreword by Susan J. Moreno, President, Oasis MAAP Foundation As a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I believe the development of my son's Theory of Mind skills will be the most important factor in his achieving a functional level of social and communicative competence. Dr. Ordetx has developed a parent-friendly curriculum that documents ToM objectives and interventions in a clear and concise manner. Throughout the twelve week program we were able to use the recommended activities to practice skills taught during the therapy sessions. The progress in my son's social understanding was very encouraging. He started understanding why it was important to stay ""checked-in"" with his partners during interactions and for me that is huge! -- Mother of Ben, age 8 My daughter has struggled with social skills for years. Once she started the Social Experience training, we noticed a higher level of awareness of the communications occurring with and around her. By the end of the program, our daughter was independently using the strategies taught on a daily basis to ""check in"" to social exchanges and actively participate in conversations. It is my opinion that this Theory of Mind curriculum trains the brain to become more naturally aware of social interactions outside of one's ""self"". Finally, our daughter is interested in participating in conversations that are not always about her own interests. She now has a genuine desire to improve her socialization skills. -- Mother of Greta, age 13"

My daughter has struggled with social skills for years. Once she started the Social Experience training, we noticed a higher level of awareness of the communications occurring with and around her. By the end of the program, our daughter was independently using the strategies taught on a daily basis to check in to social exchanges and actively participate in conversations. It is my opinion that this Theory of Mind curriculum trains the brain to become more naturally aware of social interactions outside of one's self . Finally, our daughter is interested in participating in conversations that are not always about her own interests. She now has a genuine desire to improve her socialization skills. -- Mother of Greta, age 13 As a parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I believe the development of my son's Theory of Mind skills will be the most important factor in his achieving a functional level of social and communicative competence. Dr. Ordetx has developed a parent-friendly curriculum that documents ToM objectives and interventions in a clear and concise manner. Throughout the twelve week program we were able to use the recommended activities to practice skills taught during the therapy sessions. The progress in my son's social understanding was very encouraging. He started understanding why it was important to stay checked-in with his partners during interactions and for me that is huge! -- Mother of Ben, age 8 When I speak with classroom teachers around the world, many say to me, I don't want to read a book about vague theories and ideals. I want practical HELP in knowing what to do in my classroom. This book fills the bill. Not everyone has the time to spend countless hours combing through the research and recommendations about instructional methods...this book lays out the plans and techniques clearly and methodically. Dr Ordetx's instructions are clear and full of examples and hints. Read on to enter her brilliant mind and incredible skills. You will find success and encouragement on every page! -- from the Foreword by Susan J. Moreno, President, Oasis MAAP Foundation Provides teachers with an easy curriculum for teaching children with high functioning autism and Asperger's and focuses on interacting with others succesfully using Theory of Mind. -- Midwest Book Review

Author Information

Kirstina Ordetx is the founder of Pinnacle Academy, an alternative private school for children with autism spectrum disorders in Bradenton, Florida, and CEO of the Center for Autism Resources and Education, a not-for-profit organization which supports families and professionals working with children with ASD in Southwest Florida. She is also Director of Developmental Behavior Services at Advanced ABA, an organization which provides theory of mind and social skills training for children on the autism spectrum. Kirstina lives in Bradenton, Florida.

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