Description
What are the keys to effective autism programs-and how do they solve their biggest challenges and meet the needs of all children and families? Find out in this book, an in-depth roadmap of autism services, research, and policies that are strengthening outcomes for children across the country.
With detailed reviews of 9 innovative state and national initiatives in public and private settings, this book gives researchers, administrators, and educators models they can use to help develop an efficient, cost-effective autism program—or expand their existing services. Leaders of these model programs give readers a complete overview of each initiative, covering factors such as structure, objective, population served, and staff roles and responsibilities. Readers will come away with invaluable insights on each program's key success factors, including
- Clearly identifying viable funding sources
- Improving screening and early identification of autism
- Planning family- and person-centered activities that support each child's goals
- Implementing positive behavior interventions and supports
- Engaging caregivers in coordinating services for their child and advocating for change
- Translating scientific breakthroughs into evidence-based services
- Developing teacher training programs that build awareness and expertise
- Conducting comprehensive, parent-friendly assessments
- Creating an integrated network of health, education, and community programs
- Putting effective transition supports in place
Readers will see how these model programs overcame common barriers to success, and they'll get specific recommendations at the end of the book for both new and established autism programs. Essential reading for administrators, policymakers, and anyone with a hand in shaping programs for children with autism, the foundational information in this book is key to ensuring the best possible services for children with autism and their families.
Reviews
Review by: George Jesien, Executive Director, Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
“An in-depth and thoughtful description of the landscape of autism, ranging from insightful case histories to exemplary practices and supportive systems . . . a must-read for those who want the 'big picture.'”
Review by: Dr. Mary Jane Weiss, Director, Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis Program & Professor
“A wonderful resource and a call to action . . . outlines what we as practitioners must do to advance our science, expand our services, and demonstrate our commitment to every person and family affected by ASD.”
Review by: Tony Charman, Professor, Chair in Clinical Child Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry
“In an ever-increasingly crowded market, this book by Peter Doehring is a standout. It combines rigorous clinical science with years of experience of practice, policy and implementation work. It provides an unparalleled service to the autism community.”
Review by: Geraldine Dawson, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks; Research Professor, University of North Carolina
“This outstanding book provides a much-needed roadmap for developing state-of-the art service and training programs for people with autism. A great resource for clinicians, educators, and policy makers.”
Review by: James Luiselli, May Institute
“Peter Doehring and an impressive group of contributors write eloquently about the process of developing effective and sustainable programs . . . The contents of this book will promote exemplary professional practice standards and research inquiry for years to come.”
Review by: Ami Klin, Marcus Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine
“Dr. Doehring's book is the GPS we have been waiting for to conquer the labyrinth [of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders]. It should be on every professional's desk.”
Review by: Peter Gerhardt, Director of Education, Upper School of the McCarton School; Founding Chair, Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR)
“A comprehensive, well organized, and highly useful resource for parents and professionals alike.”
Review by: Sandra Harris, Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor Emerita, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
“Scholarly and forward looking . . . will broaden the perspective of service providers as well as administrators and politicians who create policies that shape the services available to individuals with ASD and their families.”
Table of Contents
About the Author
Contributors
Foreword: Fred R. Volkmar
Acknowledgments
Introduction
I. Understanding the Scope
- About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Peter Doehring
- Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder: What CanThis Include?
Peter Doehring
- An Overview of the Training, Research, and Policy SupportingSystems of Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Peter Doehring
- How It Works: The Infrastructure of Agencies and OrganizationsThat Support Services, Training, Research, and Policy
Peter Doehring
II. Exemplary Regional, Provincial, and Statewide Programs
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Services, Training, and Policy Initiativesat The West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University
Barbara Becker-Cottrill
- The Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services and the Departmentof Education: Providing Educational and Community ServicesAcross the Life Span
Erica Wexler, Cathy Scutta, Michael Miklos, Nina Wall-Cote, andPeter Doehring
- Delaware Autism Program: Statewide Educational Servicesin the Public Schools
Peter Doehring and Vincent Winterling
- Indiana Resource Center for Autism: Promoting Local CapacityStatewide Through Research, Education, and Policy
Cathy Pratt
- Regional Autism Intervention Program and Related ResearchActivities at McMaster Children's Hospital in Ontario
Jane Summers, Jo-Ann Reitzel, and Peter Szatmari
- The University of Utah and the Utah Department of Health:Collaborating to Implement Community-Based Systems ofCare for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Paul S. Carbone, Sarah Winter, Harper Randall, and Judith M. Holt
- Autism and Tertiary Behavior Support Through the Kansas StateDepartment of Education: Developing Collaborative Teamsfor Identification and Consultation
Lee Stickle and Sarah Hoffmeier
III. Exemplary National Initiatives
- Learn the Signs. Act Early.: The Public Health Approach to theEarly Identification of Children at Risk for Autism SpectrumDisorder and Other Developmental Disabilities
Georgina Peacock, Sue Lin, Jennifer Bogin, Cheryl Rhodes, andRebecca B. Wolf
- National Professional Development Center on Autism SpectrumDisorders: An Emerging National Educational Strategy
Ann W. Cox, Matthew E. Brock, Samuel L. Odom, Sally J. Rogers,Lisa H. Sullivan, Linda Tuchman-Ginsberg, Ellen L. Franzone, Katherine Szidon, and Lana Collet-Klingenberg
IV. Facing Autism Nationally: How to Improve Services ThroughTraining, Research, and Policy
- What We Have Learned: How to Create Integrated Networksthat Improve Access, Increase Capacity, Develop Expertise,and Address Meaningful Outcomes
Peter Doehring
- Where We Can Start: Immediate Opportunities for Improvingthe Lives of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Peter Doehring
Index