"These Woodbine House books focus on the assessment and treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They are intended for parents, teachers, caregivers, and other professionals who work with and care for this population. They are clearly written and contain a wealth of information. All use real life success and case studies clearly illustrate the outlined concepts.
Meaningful Exchanges For People With Autism begins by detailing the learning styles, communications strengths and weaknesses of people with autism. It focuses on providing a detailed overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology specifically for those who have difficulty expressing and/or understanding language. Various tools and strategies are clearly illustrated covering everything from low-tech simple communication boards to complex hi-tech voice output devices. The criteria that indicate whether or not individuals would be good candidates for AAC are listed and a number of points to consider selecting appropriate AAC tools and devices are outlined.
I recommend these books to clinicians, teachers, and/or caregivers. They are excellent resources providing a variety of very specific assessment and treatment techniques. Their focus is on children but the principles and concepts can be used for individuals of all ages and levels of functioning."
-Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 2008, volume 75, number 2
"Communication plays a central role in both the diagnosis and intervention of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Researchers often report impairment in communication ranging from a lack of or delay in spoken language and gestures to the idiosyncratic use of language for children with ASD (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). This reality makes the availability of books such as Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism particularly important and useful to both families and providers."
-Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, Volume 22, Number 3, Fall 2007
"Meaningful Exchanges for People with Autism supports the idea of presuming competence, including people with no speech and/or poor communication skills. It is very difficult to learn appropriate social behaviors and strategies when a person does not have a reliable and meaningful way to communicate. People with autism struggle with communication and all its nuances.
In this book, the author works from the belief that every person with autism can learn functional communication and that technology is the key for many people. She writes, 'Thankfully, there are no cognitive, behavioral, or language prerequisites, or gatekeeper skills required for most AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) interventions.' It doesn't matter where a student is on the autism spectrum for AAC to help.
Laws such as the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 that helps fund state programs support AAC devices and tools. While there are still few choices in devices, which can make the cost high, the technology is continuing to improve.
This book offers an introduction to the many devices and systems available. Illustrations and real life examples show readers how they work. High-tech literacy-based computer systems, talking devices, and no-tech solutions such as the Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) are all valuable tools in helping people with autism learn more effective ways to communicate."
-www.inspiredparenting.net and www.justformom.com
"The book is practical and easy to read and is a valuable resource for physical therapists or physical therapist assistants who are involved with children who have ASD or even other disabilities."
-Physical Therapy, Volume 86, Number 11, November 2006
