Nancy Perry graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and completed her Ph.D. with a specialty in Neuropsychology at the California School of Professional Psychology. Her dissertation was among the earliest efforts to explain and explore the developing concept of the Executive Functions. She has worked for over 30 years as a psychotherapist and for the past 15 years as the Clinical Director of a unique program serving adults on the Autism Spectrum. She became interested in this population after training in the field of acquired brain injury, but her interest in the rights and abilities of individuals with challenges stems from early experiences with her two sisters who had substantial disabilities. Dr. Perry lives in Berkeley with her husband and has a grown daughter who lives nearby.
A Message to Parents.; Acknowledgements.; Preface.; Introduction - Real Lives.; Part I: Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disabilities.; 1. What are Neurodevelopmental Disabilities?; 2. Families Living with Disability.; Part II: Understanding Executive Functions.; 3. Initiation, or Getting Started.; 4. Concrete Thinking and Response to Novelty.; 5. Planning, Sequencing and Organizing.; 6. Attention and Concentration.; 7. Regulation of Emotions.; 8. A Glance at Memory.; 9. Judgment, Self-Awareness and Self Monitoring.; Part III: Reaching Adulthood.; 10. Preparing for Adulthood.; 11. Living with Parents.; 12. Living in a Group Home.; Part IV: A Model Program of Supported Independence.; 13. The Value of Living with Peers.; 14. The Structure and Goals of the Program.; 15. The Clinical Methods of the Program.; 16. Counseling.; 17. Specific Methods Employed at CAL.; 18. Teamwork Between Parents and Caregivers.; Appendix I: A New Idea - A Variation on the Model of Group Home Living.; Appendix II: Resources.; References.; Index.
Perry thoroughly discusses the importance of teaching self-help skills and domestic responsibilities to children on the autism spectrum before they become adults with more ridged patterns of living and learning. Perry also explains why and how the program creates structure and guidelines to best support adults on the autism spectrum so that they can avoid common pitfalls and live as independently as possible. Peppered with both cautionary tales and success stories, Perry gives a realistic portrayal of what it takes to achieve supported independence as an adult on the autism spectrum.
