Gestures are a special sort of action. They communicate the individual's moods and desires to the world and they operate under different psychological and cognitive constraints to other actions. The connections between gesture and language - spoken and signed - pose some fascinating questions. How intimately are gesture and language connected? Did one evolve from the other? To what extent are they similarly processed in the brain? In what ways are signed languages akin to spoken language and gestures?Gesture, Speech, and Sign examines these questions, bringing together an international array of expertise to explore the origins, neurobiology, and uses of these three communication systems. A unique feature of the book is its discussion of how a greater understanding of these issues can be used to improve human-computer interactions. Designed to appeal to a multi-disciplinary audience Gesture, Speech, and Sign will be of interest to advanced students and researchers in neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computer science, and those involved in deaf studies.

What do a superhero, a pumpkin, and light switches have in common? They are all special interests of Jerome's brother Todd. Todd's autism is so severe that his speech is limited to echolalia -- the repetition of other people's words.Jerome's dearest wish is to have a real conversation with his younger brother. Will Todd's echolalia be the first step in making his wish come true?This e-book includes not only the short story "e;Echolalia,"e; but also a bonus story. Jerome's Wedding, which takes place many years after the events in "e;Echolalia,"e; is from Todd's point of view.This is book two in the "e;Autism Chronicles"e; series.

Just as fire destroys wood but hardens steel, a child's diagnosis of autism can either rip apart or strengthen a marriage. Calvin and Laura Wygant struggle to come to terms with their son Todd's new diagnosis and to keep their marriage intact.This short story, written by the mother of a child with autism, depicts both the heartache experienced by parents of a newly-diagnosed child and the hope that endures. It is the author's goal that the tale should entertain, enlighten, and encourage both people who have family members on the spectrum and those who are simply curious about autism.The Fires of Autism includes a bonus story. The Not-So-Great Escape occurs about a year after the events in main story. This humorous vignette demonstrates what happens when one momentarily forgets how literally children with autism might interpret what one says; it is based on an incident that the author had with her own son.This is book one in the "e;Autism Chronicles"e; series.

Gestures are a special sort of action. They communicate the individual's moods and desires to the world and they operate under different psychological and cognitive constraints to other actions. The connections between gesture and language - spoken and signed - pose some fascinating questions. How intimately are gesture and language connected? Did one evolve from the other? To what extent are they similarly processed in the brain? In what ways are signed languages akin to spoken language and gestures?Gesture, Speech, and Sign examines these questions, bringing together an international array of expertise to explore the origins, neurobiology, and uses of these three communication systems. A unique feature of the book is its discussion of how a greater understanding of these issues can be used to improve human-computer interactions. Designed to appeal to a multi-disciplinary audience Gesture, Speech, and Sign will be of interest to advanced students and researchers in neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, computer science, and those involved in deaf studies.

What do a superhero, a pumpkin, and light switches have in common? They are all special interests of Jerome's brother Todd. Todd's autism is so severe that his speech is limited to echolalia -- the repetition of other people's words.Jerome's dearest wish is to have a real conversation with his younger brother. Will Todd's echolalia be the first step in making his wish come true?This e-book includes not only the short story "e;Echolalia,"e; but also a bonus story. Jerome's Wedding, which takes place many years after the events in "e;Echolalia,"e; is from Todd's point of view.This is book two in the "e;Autism Chronicles"e; series.

Just as fire destroys wood but hardens steel, a child's diagnosis of autism can either rip apart or strengthen a marriage. Calvin and Laura Wygant struggle to come to terms with their son Todd's new diagnosis and to keep their marriage intact.This short story, written by the mother of a child with autism, depicts both the heartache experienced by parents of a newly-diagnosed child and the hope that endures. It is the author's goal that the tale should entertain, enlighten, and encourage both people who have family members on the spectrum and those who are simply curious about autism.The Fires of Autism includes a bonus story. The Not-So-Great Escape occurs about a year after the events in main story. This humorous vignette demonstrates what happens when one momentarily forgets how literally children with autism might interpret what one says; it is based on an incident that the author had with her own son.This is book one in the "e;Autism Chronicles"e; series.