Teaching Assistant's Guide to Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Ann Cartwright has taught in a special school in Swansea for over ten years. However, her interest in Special Needs began 25 years ago when her second son was born with profound and multiple learning difficulties. Jill Morgan has worked with Teaching Assistants for the last 14 years both in the US and the UK. She currently teaches on the Foundation Degree in Learning Support at Swansea Institute of Higher Education, UK (SIHE), and is also an Independent Education and Training Consultant.

"Highly recommended to TAs supporting children with autistic spectrum disorders." Learning Support, Summer Term 1 2008

• Introduction-terminology-your role as a TA-working under supervision-regular features1. What are Austistic Spectrum Disorders-historical background-how common is ASD?-dispelling the myths-manifestations-can it be cured?-chapter summary-reflactive journal2. Understanding the effects of ASD-the Triad of Impairment-commuication-social development and interaction-imagination or flexibility in thinking-what about the family?-chapter summaryreflective journal3. Beahviour Management and ASD- some basic principles of bahviour management-the ABCs of behaviour-how is behaviour linked to the TRiad of Impairment?-can children with ASD control their bahaviour?-ASD: A condition of almost permanent stress-what will motivate appropriate behaviours for the children I work with?-managing your own behaviour-chapter summary-reflective journal4. Teaching children with ASD-communication-social interaction-imagination/flexibility-TEACH-other teaching theories and strategies-chapter summary-reflective journal Conclusions-general principles-how will this change what I do as a TA? AppendixRecommended readingOrganisations and websitesGlossary