Autobiographical memory (ABM)—the type of long-term memory that holds information about ourselves and our past experiences—is key to social learning and social communication. This groundbreaking guide shows professionals how to support ABM in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, leading to lasting enhancements to critical social skills.
A natural, strengths-based approach to autism intervention, this unique program is about promoting authentic connections by facilitating memory—not encouraging a specific set of behaviors or changing autistic habits of cognition. Ideal for speech-language pathologists and other practitioners, this book offers detailed guidance on how to assess ABM needs and implement activities that help autistic individuals encode and retrieve memories that aid in social learning. Professionals will get step-by-step instructions on using adaptable, person-centered techniques such as elaborative reminiscing, memory making activities, episodic memory draw-talks, and life stories.
An innovative and practical guide that honors neurodiversity, this program empowers children to tap into and create meaning from their past experiences—and use those memories to plan, problem-solve, and form positive connections with others.
Why This Program?
Helps neurotypical and autistic children and adolescents develop memory retrieval and discourse strategies critical for academic and social success
Evidence aligned—translates pioneering research into ready-to-use intervention strategies and activities
Client centered—honors the child’s interests and follows their lead without prescribing scripts or rules
Adaptable for a wide range of intervention settings—home, school, and community
Developed by highly respected experts on autism and communication
Customizable to meet the needs of the individual
Ashley R. Brien, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech language pathologist in Vermont. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Interprofessional Health Sciences at the University of Vermont under the mentorship of Dr. Tiffany Hutchins and Dr. Patricia Prelock. Her research focuses on episodic memory and its relationship to theory of mind. She is currently designing interventions and treatment materials to support episodic memory and social cognition in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Patricia Prelock, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, is Provost and Senior Vice President, University of Vermont. Formerly the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Vermont for 10 years, she is also Professor of Communication Sciences & Disorders, and Professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Prelock studies the nature and treatment of autism spectrum disorder with a specific focus on theory of mind and the development of interventions to support social cognition by using a family-centered approach. She is a board certified specialist in child language, a University of Vermont Scholar, an ASHA fellow and honoree, and a fellow in the National Academies of Practice in speech-language pathology.
About the Downloads
About the Authors
Preface
For the Reader
Dedication
Section I: Foundations Of Social Learning And Autobiographical Memory In Autism
Chapter 1
Supporting Social Learning in Autism
Chapter 2
Understanding Autobiographical Memory
Chapter 3
The Organization & Development of Autobiographical Memory
Chapter 4
Autobiographical Memory and Autism
Section II: Assessment Of Autobiographical Memory
Chapter 5
Assessment for Clinical Decision Making
Chapter 6
Assessment Of Autobiographical Memory in Autism
Appendix 6.1 Informant Reports
Appendix 6.2 Autobiographical Memory Test
Appendix 6.3 The Cueing Procedure
Appendix 6.4 The Remember/Know Task
Appendix 6.5 The Remember/Know Story Task
Appendix 6.6 The SENSEs Procedure
Appendix 6.7 The Where-When-What Task
Chapter 7
Assessment Of Autobiographical Memory in Autism: Application In A Case Example With Cooper
Section III: Treatment Of Autobiographical Memory
Chapter 8
Supporting Episodic Memory in Autism
Chapter 9
Recall, Re-Experience, And Share the Past: Elaborative Reminiscing
