Abstract

Understand and support executive function in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with this fully-explained, innovative model. Showing how to use an individual's strengths to address executive functioning weaknesses, this approach will also help to build a strong foundation for social and communication skills.

Advocating a person-centred approach, the author describes the importance of identifying the individual's preferred style of engagement and communication, and how sensory experiences impact their thoughts, feelings, and actions. She explains how to use this information to identify the individual's strengths and weaknesses across eight key areas which are the building blocks of executive functions: attention; memory; organization; time management; initiative; behavior; goal setting and flexibility. These areas can be used daily to establish predictability and offer a foundation for interpreting, processing and understanding the world with flexibility. Professionals and parents can also use them as the basis of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), or to create personalized interventions and support at school or at home.

The descriptions of thinking from an individual with autism are excellent; I felt like I was talking to my patients. They give the reader a unique insight into the way of thinking of a person with an autistic spectrum disorder, allowing them to dispel any misconceptions they may have. The information in this book is clear, well-organised and offers practical solutions to common problems in the autism population.
Eric Q. Tridas, Director and Developmental Pediatrician, The Tridas Center for Child Development, Florida
For the first time I have a comprehensive and practical resource to guide my understanding of my son's experience with executive function as a child with autism. Paula Moraine's work offers powerful insight and readily applicable concepts to empower all parents, teachers, care givers, and professionals as they embrace someone living with ASD. The book's concept of Autistic Access Points has unlocked countless barriers for my child making it possible for him to establish, build, and maintain effective executive skills. Paula Moraine's new paradigm gave me the capability to emphasize his strengths and build upon his talents opening infinite possibilities I could not imagine before reading this book.
Michelle Shramek, educator and parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Paula Moraine, M.Ed. works in private practice in Bel Air, Maryland, as a tutor, coach, mentor, and educational consultant. She offers individual sessions, professional development and lectures widely in the USA and in Europe. Paula is the author of Helping Students Take Control of Everyday Executive Functions - The Attention Fix, also published by JKP.
[Paula Moraine] gives readers a completely fresh take on many aspects of interacting with children who have autism, including the way they process their environments, the "languages" they invoke to interact with that environment, and the large role that executive functioning plays in both. The information in this book is woven together seamlessly to produce new and creative ways to think about familiar topics. This book will enhance even highly trained professionals' understanding of autism.
Heather Powell, Ph.D., Psychologist
How do you teach executive function skills when any deviation from a preferred routine is frightening and chaotic? Paula Moraine helps us to understand the autistic viewpoint, and shows us how to open the door to executive functioning through the use of Autistic Access Points. An essential guidebook for all those who work with students on the spectrum.
Janet Price, co-author of Take Control of Asperger’s Syndrome: The Official Strategy Guide for Teens with Asperger’s Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and Take Control of Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties: The Ultimate Guide for Kids