Vera Bernard-Opitz – författare

Combining their years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum, both here and around the world, authors Vera Bernard-Opitz and Anne Haussler bring teachers and other professionals practical ideas and teaching methods for offering visual supports to students with autism spectrum disorders and other visual learners. With hundreds of colourful illustrations and step-by-step directions, this book lays the foundation for how to structure teaching environments, as well as offers countless examples of activities for students, ranging from basic skills, to reading and math, to social behaviour.

This easy-to-use book is designed to help children with ASD find friends, become better communicators, increase their flexibility, and lead lives that are less stressful. Skills are presented in the form of cartoons, scripts and role play – all evidence-based practices – that address a wide range of developmental levels. The Cartoon & Script Curriculum breaks down complex behaviors into manageable steps and provides methods to help children and youth generalize skills across settings and people. The result: individuals on the spectrum become more effective in managing everyday life!

During the first years in school children need to learn reading, writing and arithmetic, but it seems equally important to develop social and communicative skills and good values. While there are plenty of teaching programs on the "Three Rs" it is not easy to find curricula for social behavior and character development. This workbook provides a clear teaching sequence on eight long-term objectives, such as being reliable, authentic, empathetic, self-controlled and a good team player. In 130 cartons daily problem situations are pictured and possible solutions are presented. While making good value choices children learn at the same time to become competent communicators. Typical as well as special needs students are encouraged to pro-social behaviors which are a solid foundation for school, social and future professional success.