In this updated edition, Olga Bogdashina provides a theoretical foundation for understanding communication and language impairments specific to autism. She explores the effects of different perceptual and cognitive styles on the communication and language development of autistic children. She also stresses the importance of identifying each individual's nonverbal language - which can be visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, auditory, olfactory or gustatory - to establish verbal communication. Reflecting recent research and changes in terminology, the book explains why some approaches may work for some autistic children but not for others, and the 'What They Say' sections allow the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and understand their language differences first-hand. 'What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations for helping autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.
Professor Olga Bogdashina, MA, PhD, DEd, CO-founder of and Programme Leader (Autism courses) at the International Autism Institute, KSPU and co-founder of the International Consortium of Autism Institutes. She has worked extensively in the field of autism as a teacher, lecturer and researcher, with a particular interest in sensory-perceptual, cognitive and communication problems. She is a Visiting Professor in Autism Studies at universities around the world, develops university (Autism Study) courses and training programmes for professionals and parents, presents at national and international autism conferences and is an autism consultant for services for children and adults. Olga has an adult son with autism and lives in Yorkshire, UK.
Introduction Part 1: Definitions, Theories and Hypotheses 1. Communication - Language - Speech 2. Language Acquisition - The Theories 3. The Role of Non-Linguistic Factors in Language and Communication Development 4. From Sensations to Concepts - Via Different Routes 5. Qualitative Differences in Experiencing Sensations/ Receiving Information 6. Perceptual Styles 7. Cognitive Styles 8. What Language Are They Speaking? Part 2: Language Characteristics, Learning Styles and Development in Autism 9. Language Learning Styles 10. Speech and Language Development in Non-Autistic and Autistic Children 11. Impairments of Social Communication and Language Peculiarities Specific to Autism 12. Fluent Speakers - So What's the Problem? Part 3: Key Strategies to Enhance Communication in Autism 13. Communication/Language Assessment Strategies - Communication Profile 14. Communication Environment and Interaction Styles 15. Selecting Communication Systems 16. Talking Communication
Updated edition of bestselling book on different communication styles in autism
An authoritative reference source, now in an updated second edition. Written by an expert who provides the reader with clear explanations regarding theories, language characteristics and practical strategies to enhance communication. Readers will be able to incorporate the ideas, principles and techniques of this book in their daily routines and see immediate results. -- Manuel F. Casanova, Endowed Chair in Childhood Neurotherapeutics, University of South Carolina School of Medicine
