Phoebe Caldwell's remarkable new book makes accessible for the first time the complex, intricate inner and sensory worlds of people whose learning disabilities are combined with autistic spectrum disorder and, often, difficult-to-manage behaviour. Based on many years of working with such people, many of whom have withdrawn into a world of their own, she explores the different sensory reality they experience, showing it to be infinitely more complex and varied than is widely understood. She introduces a practical approach known as Intensive Interaction, which uses the body language of such people who have hitherto largely been regarded as unreachable to get in touch with them, giving them a way of expressing themselves which shifts their attention from solitary self-stimulation to shared activity. The outcome is not only a marked improvement in behaviour and ability to communicate but, more important, many parents will say they are just much happier'.Covering not only the practical aspects of introducing this technique, but also the thinking behind it, this landmark book has much to say on behalf of a group that has in the past largely been denied a voice, and will open new avenues for both practice and research. It will be invaluable for parents, carers, and all who work with this group.
Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. What is Autism? 3. Causes of Stress. 4. Behaviour - Challenging or Distressed? 5. Intensive Interaction. 6. The Development of Self. Appendix A: The Causes of ASD. Appendix B: The Way In - Using Intensive Interaction. References. Index.
Phoebe Caldwell clearly describes intensive interaction as a means by which a parent , support partner, therapist, community worker, advocate or simply someone who would like to be a friend can create two-way human communication, Finding You Finding MeThe book has been acclaimed as a landmark, speaking on behalf of a group who in the past have been denied a voice and who live in a non-verbal world and have serious learning disabilities or severe behavioural distress.This book is a must for anyone researching or seeking to support individuals who are non-verbal or on the borderlines of speech, with serious learning disabilities or severe behavioural distress. Finding You Finding Me introduces a practical approach to communication. Appendix B contains a very concise overview, 'The Way In - Using Intensive Interaction'. There is a wealth of researched information throughout the book. The case studies and testimony of practitioner and partner demonstrate as stated by the author that individuals can grow together in a rewarding mutual partnership experiencing along the way fun and, yes, joy!
