12 Top Resources on Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you want to learn more about Autism Spectrum Disorder but don’t know where to start then here is a selection of my favourite books and resources to get you going.

Parent Education:

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew: Updated and Expanded Edition (by Ellen Notbohm) 
Recommended for parents who have a child recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome (by Tony Attwood) A comprehensive volume written in easy-to-read non-technical language. There is a good mix of research information, first person reports and clinical information.   

Managing Meltdowns: Using the S.C.A.R.E.D. Calming Technique with Children and Adults with Autism (by Will Richards) This brief book is useful for parents and teachers to determine the cause of meltdowns and how best to avoid them. 

No More Meltdowns (by Dr Jed Baker) Great  information and strategies for home and school.  Three sections: The Problem, The Solution and Plans are interwoven with stories of how the strategies have been used with different children.

Books for Children:

The Red Beast: Controlling Anger in Children with Asperger's Syndrome (by K.I. Al-Ghani) This storybook is written for children aged 5+, and is an accessible, fun way to talk about anger, with useful tips about how to 'tame the red beast' and guidance for parents on how anger affects children with Asperger's Syndrome.

The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children Including Those with Asperger Syndrome (by K. I. Al-Ghani) This fun, easy-to-read and fully illustrated storybook will inspire children who experience anxiety, and encourage them to banish their own Panicosauruses with help from Mabel's strategies. The helpful introduction explains anxiety in children, and there is a list of techniques for lessening anxiety at the end of the book.

Why Do I Have To?: A Book for Children Who Find Themselves Frustrated by Everyday Rules (by Laurie Leventhal-Belfer) This is the ideal book for children who have difficulty coping with the expectations of daily living, as well as for their parents and the professionals who work with them.

The Asperkids Secret Book of Social Rules (by Jennifer Cook O’Toole) The handbook written by a mum with Asperger's Syndrome says it's a book "that every adult Aspie wishes they’d had growing up". Ideal for 10-17 year olds.

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family (by Jude Welton) Adam helps children understand the difficulties faced by a child with Asperger's Syndrome (AS); he tells them what AS is, what it feels like to have AS and how they can help children with AS by understanding their differences and appreciating their many talents. Ideal for 7-15 year olds and also serves as a good starting point for family and classroom discussions.

Teaching Resources:

Teacher Assistants Big Red Book of Ideas (by Sue Larkey & Anna Tullemans) Hundreds of ideas to try. Setting up the classroom, the role of the teacher assistant, behaviour in the classroom and playground, stages of anxiety, transition, sensory toys and activities.
http://www.suelarkey.com.au/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=4

Teacher Assistants Big Blue Book of Ideas (by Sue Larkey & Anna Tullemans) Strategies regarding Social skills: playgrounds, friendships, building self esteem, bullying. In the classroom: getting on task, adapting tasks and exams, building independence. Managing anxiety and behaviour. 
http://www.suelarkey.com.au/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=78

Sensory Toys:

Available from:
http://www.senseabilities.com.au/
http://www.specialneedstoys.com.au
http://www.suelarkey.com.au/Sensory_Shop.php

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