Autism in the Early Years: A Practical Guide (Resource Materials for Teachers Series)

1. Autism: an introduction -- 2. Assessment and diagnosis -- 3. The role of parents and early years practitioners in supporting assessment and diagnosis -- 4. Implications of current theories for intervention -- 5. A framework for educational intervention -- 6. Differentiating the areas of learning -- 7. Intervention within the early years foundation stage -- 8. Developing play -- 9. Behavioural difficulties: from understanding to intervention -- 10. Behavioural difficulties: keys to prevention -- 11. Observation profile -- Appendix 1: Diagnostic criteria for autism -- Appendix 2: Early learning goals; six areas of learning and develpoment

Anyone meeting a young child with autism for the first time will find this fully revised edition of a classic text invaluable. The authors provide parents and professionals with an insight into the nature and educational implications of autism, particularly in very young children.

In a clear and sensitive style the authors:

• outline the characteristics of autism as they present themselves in the early years;
• consider the nature of autism and the issues surrounding assessment and diagnosis;
• offer practical strategies for effective and realistic intervention both at home and in a variety of early years settings;
• suggest ways to promote learning, social development, communication and appropriate behaviour;
• explore possibilities for enhancing access to the early years curriculum.

This updated second edition includes new material relating to new statutory requirements such as Every Child Matters and Disability Equality Duty, as well as updates to different approaches to autism, assessment and behavioural issues. The authors outline the principal themes and objectives of the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Inclusion Development Programme.

Autism in the Early Years: A Practical Guide (Second Edition) provides accessible material, support and advice for parents, teachers and professionals who are working together in an unfamiliar area following early diagnoses of autism in young children.

Anyone meeting a young child with autism for the first time will find this book invaluable. In a clear and sensitive style the authors: outline the characteristics of autism as they present themselves in the early years; consider the nature of autism and the issues surrounding assessment and diagnosis; offer practical strategies for effective and realistic intervention both at home and in a variety of early years settings; and, explore possibilities for enhancing access to the early years curriculum.The authors provide extensive material that will be equally accessible and relevant to parents following an early diagnosis of autism in their child. This fully revised new edition includes new material that relates to new statutory requirements such as Every Child Matters and Disability Equality Duty as well as updates to different approaches to autism, assessment and behavioural issues. This classic text will provide much needed support and advice to anxious parents, teachers and professionals who are working together in an unfamiliar area The authors describe the characteristics of autism as they present themselves in the early years, consider the nature of autism and the issues surrounding assessment and diagnosis, and offer practical strategies for effective intervention