Autism Resources
Books and other publications
A booklet 'Could this be Autism?', published by The National Autistic Society with DoH support, explains the signs to look for, details the behaviour that characterises a child with autism and stresses the importance of listening to parents and carers. Copies are available from:
NAS Publications Department
Unit 7 Arena House
1 Temple Road
London
NW2 6PG
Make sure you also ask for the National Autistic Society publications list. It contains an amazing collection of publications about the various forms of autism.
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
by Uta Frith. (Published by Cambridge University Press, 1991) ISBN: 0-521 -38608-X
Autism : the facts
by Simon Baron-Cohen and Patrick Bolton. (Published by OUP, 1993) ISBN: 0-19-262327-3
Able autistic pupils transferring to mainstream secondary schools : a guide for parents
by Carolyn Brock. (Published by Nottingham University, Child Development Unit).
Written by the mother of an able child with autism in a mainstream secondary school
A mind of one's own : a guide to the special difficulties and needs of the more able person with autism or Asperger
Syndrome
by Digby Tantam. (Published by NAS, 1988; 2nd edition 1991; reprinted 1992)
Approaches to autism : an annotated list 2nd edition.(Published by NAS, 1993).
A list of various approaches to autism, including Holding Therapy, Daily Life Therapy, The Option Method, Facilitated Communication and Auditory Training.
Autism focus
by Tom McKernan and John Mortlock. (Published by Outset, 1995, also available from The NAS)
Designed as a personal training workbook, which explains in a clear and simple way what is different about people with autism. Full of ideas, information and practical suggestions, this training resource helps care workers understand these differences and learn how to work with them in a positive and constructive way.
Autistic children in ordinary mainstream schools : summary report
by Kay Gilby, Glenys Jones & Elizabeth Newson. Published by Nottingham University, Child Development Research Unit, December 1 988.
A summary of a research study which looked at seventeen children with autism attending ordinary schools in twelve different LEAs.
Autism : an introduction to psychological theory
by Francesca Happ. (Published by UCL Press, 1994). ISBN: 1-85728-230-3
Autism : explaining the enigma
by Utah Faith. (Published by Basil Blackwell, 1989) ISBN: 0-631-16824-9
Autism - An Inside-Out Approach
by Donna Williams Publisher: Jessica Kingsley (ISBN 1 85302 387)
Contents: A Bucket Full Of Jigsaws, What is This Thing Called 'Autism'? Tackling the Bogies-Man of Autism, The Mixed Bag Found in One Classroom, Approaches to Autism, The Straws on the Camel's Back, Problems of Connection, Revisiting Adaptations and Compensations, Artificial Limbs, Hyper-Connection, Problems of Tolerance, Problems of Control, Communication, Sleepwalker-Sleeptalker, Savant Skills, Personality, Asperger Syndrome? Seeing Systems, Education, Hints, Contacts
Autism: The Invisible Children? An Agenda for Action
Available from: Publications Department, National Autistic Society
Autism : professional perspectives and practice
edited by Kathryn Ellis. (Published by Chapman & Hall, 1 990) ISBN: 0-41 2-32220-X
Written by a team of recognised experts in the field, this book folio ws the child with autism, step-by-step, through to adulthood.
Autistic spectrum disorders : an aid to diagnosis
by Lorna Wing. (First published as The handicaps of autistic children : an aid to diagnosis). London : NAS, 1992.3rd revised edition 1995
The autistic spectrum disorders : a guide for parents and professionals
by Lorna Wing. (First published as Autistic Children: a guide for parents, in 1 970}. London: Constable, 1996
ISBN: 0-09-475160-9
Children with Asperger syndrome
collection of papers from two Study Weekends in 1992 and 1993. (Published by NAS, 1994). Several of the papers in this collection specifically address the educational issues concerning Asperger syndrome.
Children with autism
collection of papers from Study Weekends run by The Inge Wakehurst Trust. (Published by NAS; updated collection, 1991).
A collection of over ten papers based on talks given at a number of weekend conferences on autism. All the papers are written by practitioners in the field and cover topics such as the family with a child with autism, behaviour problems. teaching language & communication. movement education.
Children with Autism or Asperger Syndrome in School
Introductory professional development pack for teachers. A 30 minute video showing seven children on the autistic continuum. Supported by information booklet giving details of autism, classroom strategies, resources, home-school liaison, further reading.
Available from: West Midlands Autistic Society
17 Fellows Lane, Harborne, Birmingham. B17 9TS Tel: 0121 426 4225
The educational management of autistic children
Phil Christie. In: Autism for Doctors : a collection of papers presented at two courses at Harrogate on 4 November 1988 and Birmingham on 3 November 1989. (Published by NAS, 1989).
A short paper clearly outlining the educational implications of teaching children with autism.
Problem behaviour and people with severe learning disabilities : the S.T.A.R. approach
by Ewa Zarkowska and John Clements. (Published by Chapman & Hall, 1994). ISBN: 0-412-47690-8
A practical manual for care staff, teachers - anyone engaged in the long-term resolution of beha viour problems.
Educational provision for children with autism in England and Wales
by Glenys Jones & Elizabeth Newson. Report 2 of a study carried out by the Child Development Research Unit at Nottingham University, and jointly funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Education. Published by Nottingham University, Child Development Research Unit, July 1992.
Information on autism and Asperger syndrome for schools
(Published by NAS, in association with The Post Office, 1994).
A booklet specially written for teachers which describes how to recognise autism and Asperger syndrome and how to support children with autism in schools.
The special curricular needs of autistic children
compiled by a Working Party of the Association of Head Teachers of Autistic Children and Adults, 1985
A good overview describing the particular impairments and difficut ties of children with autism and their educational implications.
The special curricular needs of autistic children learning and thinking skills
by Rita Jordan and Stuart Powell. (Published by The Association of Heads & Teachers of Adults and Children with Autism, 1990).
Specifically concentrates upon the chat lenges which are presented to educators in developing the cognitive skills of children with autism.
Living and working with autism : practical guidelines
prepared by the School Principals' Working Party of the National Autistic Society and the Local Autistic Societies edited by Lusia Arendt. (Published by NAS, 1992).
A guide primarily intended for staff/n schools and specialist units for children with autism, but useful for all teaching staff
Supporting children with autism in mainstream schools
Michael Collins. In: Children with autism : a collection of papers from Study Weekends run by The Inge Wakehurst Trust (1990). (Published by NAS, 1991).
Outlines the type of support that a child with autism may need in a mainstream setting.
Managing behaviour problems in autistic children
by the Principal and Staff of Sutherland House School in Nottingham. (Published by the Nottingham Regional Society for Autistic Children and Adults, 1987; reprinted by NAS, 1988)
A general introduction to some of the behaviours that typically cause problems to those working with children with autism.
Treatment of autistic children
by Patricia Howlin and Michael Rutter. (Published by Wiley, 1987). ISBN: 0-471-10262-8
Although this principally describes ways of dealing with the problems shown by children with autism in their own homes, it is a useful guide for a wide range of professionals including those who wish to develop and evaluate the therapeutic components of theft own programmes.
Managing feeding difficulties in children with autism
by the Principals' Group - National Autistic Society and Local Autistic Societies. (Published by NAS, 1991).
Mainly intended as a framework for policy and as a set of guidelines for staff within NA S/LAS schools, but also useful for parents and staff in other non-specialist units.
Understanding and teaching children with autism
by Rita Jordan and Stuart Powell. (Published by Wiley, 1995). ISBN: C-471~95714-3
Practical guidance based on the premise that effective teaching must be rooted in a firm understanding of autism and the fundamental impairments associated with it
The national curriculum : access for pupils with autism
The outcome of two national conferences and eight local workshops sponsored by The Inge Wakehurst Trust from September 1989 to March 1990, edited by Rita Jordan. (Published by the Inge Wakehurst Trust, 1991)
Guidelines based on contributions from teachers and other professionals working in a variety of settings. Offers clear and explicit practical advice on the particular needs and difficulties of pupils with autism.
Why does Chris do that?: some suggestions regarding the cause and management of the unusual behaviour of children and adults with autism and Asperger syndrome
by Tony Attwood. (Published by N.A.S., 1993).
Policy and provision for children and adults with autism as viewed by professionals working in health authorities, social services departments and local education authorities in England & Wales
by Glenys Jones & Elizabeth Newson.
Report 1 of a study carried out by the Child Development Research Unit at Nottingham University, and jointly funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Education. Published by Nottingham University, Child Development Research Unit, July 1992.
Autism The International Journal of Research and Practice New journal of The National Autistic Society. First issue July 1997.
For further information contact: SAGE Publications Ltd, 6 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4PU, UK.
Communication
Journal of The National Autistic Society. Published three times a year and available on a subscription basis.
The handbook of autism : a guide for parents and professionals
by Maureen Aarons & Tessa Gittens. (Published by Routledge, 1992).
ISBN: 0-415-05566-0
Teaching Children with Autism. Strategies for initiating positive interactions and improving learning opportunities.
Baltimore: Paul H Brookes. ISBN 1 55766 1804
Understanding and Teaching Children with Autism - by R Jordon (1995)
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Software
The range of difficulties and skills associated with the autistic spectrum of conditions means that no one piece of software will be universally useful. Computers are well equipped to provide patient reinforcement of skills through a controlled but stimulating environment. The use of computers by autistic children should always be monitored and must not be seen as an easy form of supervision.
Care must be taken not to reinforce any tendency to isolation, rituals or obsessive repetitive behaviour.
For the autistic with learning difficulties there is a range of cause and effect software which can be accessed through the keyboard, switches and touch screen.
For the child with aspergers syndrome the full range of educational software will be relevant especially those which are uncomplicated and offer motivating practice of skills. My World and Clicker for example have a growing range of additional software packs aimed at specific skills and curriculum areas. It may be that software intended for dyslexics will also be helpful because it reinforces literacy and language skills.
Word processing, perhaps beginning with symbols and words, can help the child express his/her self. Programmes such as Smart Alex and Facepaint can be used to model and stimulate discussion of feelings, expressions, and communication.
Allergy-induced Autism Support and Research Network
Dedicated to medical research into autism. They have a research project underway at Birmingham University investigating whether autistic children are able to get rid of breakdown products from foods and chemicals which may affect their brain function. The majority of autistic children tested have this fault. They have a sister network in the US, and contacts world-wide.
