DigeeBooks

Empowering strategies for anyone who works with children and teens on the spectrum.

International best-selling writer and autist Temple Grandin joins psychologist Debra Moore in presenting nine strengths-based mindsets necessary to successfully work with young people on the autism spectrum. Examples and stories bring the approaches to life, and detailed suggestions and checklists help readers put them to practical use.

Temple Grandin shares her own personal experiences and anecdotes from parents and professionals who have sought her advice, while Debra Moore draws on more than three decades of work as a psychologist with kids on the spectrum and those who love and care for them. So many people support the lives of these kids, and this book is for all of them: teachers; special education staff; mental health clinicians; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; parents; and anyone interacting with autistic children or teens.

Readers will come away with new, empowering mindsets they can apply to develop the full potential of every child.

Navigating Autism: 9 Mindsets For Helping Kids on the Spectrum is a powerful and compassionate guide for parents, educators, and professionals who work with children on the autism spectrum. Written by renowned autism advocate and professor Temple Grandin, this book offers a unique perspective on understanding and supporting individuals with autism.

Grandin draws upon her own experiences with autism and her extensive research to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges and strengths of children on the spectrum. She dispels common misconceptions and stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of embracing neurodiversity and recognizing the value of each individual's unique way of thinking and learning.

At the heart of the book are nine essential mindsets that serve as guiding principles for effective support and intervention. These mindsets include:

• Acceptance and Appreciation: Embracing the child's autism as a part of their identity and recognizing their strengths and potential.
• Creating a Supportive Environment: Providing a safe, structured, and predictable environment that fosters learning and development.
• Understanding Sensory Processing Differences: Recognizing and addressing sensory sensitivities and challenges that can impact behavior and communication.
• Promoting Communication and Language Development: Using a variety of methods to facilitate communication, including speech therapy, sign language, and assistive technology.
• Encouraging Social Interaction: Providing opportunities for social engagement and teaching skills for interacting with others.
• Supporting Emotional Regulation: Helping the child to understand and manage their emotions, including meltdowns and tantrums.
• Fostering Independence and Self-Advocacy: Encouraging the child to develop self-care skills and to advocate for their own needs.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Working together with other professionals, educators, and family members to provide a comprehensive and cohesive support system.
• Lifelong Learning and Advocacy: Recognizing that autism is a lifelong journey and continuing to learn and advocate for the child's needs as they grow and change.

Grandin also provides practical strategies and interventions for addressing common challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum, such as meltdowns, sensory overload, and difficulties with social interaction. She emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches, tailored to the unique needs and strengths of each child.

Navigating Autism: 9 Mindsets For Helping Kids on the Spectrum is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to better understand and support children with autism. Grandin's unique perspective and evidence-based approach offer hope and guidance to families, educators, and professionals working in this field.