Practical Guide for Teachers of Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Secondary Education

Debra Costley, PhD is the General Manager of Education Development and Research at Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) where she manages the Aspect Educational Outreach team, the Research Unit and is responsible for new developments in the education division. She has worked in special education, further and higher education both in the UK and Australia. She has a PhD on the impact of the UK National Curriculum on children with learning difficulties. Elaine Keane, PhD is a Coordinator for Aspect Vern Barnett School, North Sydney. She is a special educator with extensive experience and knowledge of educational programs and service provision for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) gained over 30 years. Elaine has previously worked as a teacher and Aspect's Research Officer. Trevor Clark, PhD is the Director of Education and Research at Aspect and is currently responsible for the Aspect schools and research programmes. He is a special educator with over 25 years experience in New Zealand, the UK and Australia working on educational programmes and service provision for students with ASDs. Kathleen Lane is an Education Consultant for Aspect Educational Outreach. She has worked in mainstream education, special education, further and higher education in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.  She now works mainly in mainstream schools in Sydney, supporting students on the autism spectrum, their teachers and families.

“This book provides practical guidance for those engaged in the education of young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in secondary education. It is clearly written, based on best practice, and takes a 'can do' attitude to what the youngsters can achieve and how mainstream staff can understand and support them. It is full of helpful strategies and examples. This book meets a gap in the literature and will help improve life for young students with ASD and those who educate them.”

• Acknowledgements. Preface. Introduction. Part 1. Unravelling ASD, Associated Features and Theories of Thinking and Learning. 1. Characteristics of Autism and the Impact on the Student. 2. Learning Theories Associated with ASD. Part 2. Implications of ASD and Associated Features for High School Students with Autism. 3. Challenges in High Schools and their Impact on Students with Autism. 4. Learning Style and Scholastic Achievement. 5. Social Understanding and Peer Relationships. Part 3. How to Combat Obstacles Experienced by High School Students with ASD: Suggestions and Strategies.6. A Framework for Inclusion. 7. Transition to High School - Implications for Practice. 8. Class-wide Pedagogical Approaches. 9. ASD-specific Approaches. 10. Individualised Learning and Education Plans. 11. Social Interaction and Socio-Emotional Support. 12. Anxiety, Emotional Support and Student Welfare. 13. Supporting Students in High School Towards Independence. Part 4. Post High School…Where to Next? 14. Planning for the Future. Appendix 1. The Causes of Autism. Appendix 2. Resources. Appendix 3. Outline of Research Methods. References. Index.