Abstract

Written in an accessible question-and-answer format for easy navigation, this book provides detailed, practical answers to the real questions asked by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

One hundred questions, organized by topic, cover common everyday problems, from advice on what to do if your autistic child routinely runs away when in the supermarket to tips on how to stop him from spitting. Shira Richman outlines succinct behavioural plans to help parents and professionals encourage appropriate behavior and help their child make progress with learning positive behavioral patterns. She also offers advice on how to recognise maladaptive behaviors and explains the reasoning behind taking a proactive approach with children on the autism spectrum.

This book can be read cover to cover or used as a handy quick reference. It will be invaluable to parents of children with ASDs and the professionals working with them.

`Shira Richman outlines succinct behavioural plans to help parents and professionals encourage appropriate behaviour and help their child make progress with learning positive behaviour patterns.'
Link, Autism-Europe, December 2006
`Richman's behavioural approach to skill development in children on the autism spectrum is excellent… this easy to read book is certain to be an invaluable resource to both parents and professionals. The way the text is written is simple enough to be understood by the lay reader, yet detailed enough to provide a thorough understanding of behavioural theory and practical suggestions for encouraging specific behaviours. It would be a worthwhile addition to the personal or professional library of anyone hoping to provide children on the autism spectrum with the tools to function happily and successfully in their daily lives.'
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice
`This book attempts to answer 100 "real-life" questions posed by parents of children on the autistic spectrum. It offers a clear, step by step guide on how to resolve specific behavioural problems. The American author has a background in applied behaviour analysis, an approach that is evident throughout the book. She stresses the need to practice and reward appropriate behaviours and ensure the child knows what is expected by breaking tasks down into small steps and implementing any changes gradually…I think this is a useful book for parents and professionals to dip into if a particular behaviour is causing concern. Many books offer general advice on working with children on the autistic spectrum but it is refreshing to find a book willing to offer such specific guidance and advice.'
Afasic News
`Written in an accessible question-and-answer format for easy navigation, this book provides details, practical answers to the real questions asked by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.'
Link, Autism - Europe, December 2006

`The format is written on a question and answer format, which does make the book easy to navigate and makes it practical. The questions are arranged by various topics and each answer has step by step behaviour plans and techniques. Each topic covers everyday problems and there are some good suggestions on encouraging positive approaches to behaviour with children on the autism spectrum.' - The National Child-minding Association

`Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often behave inappropriately, and parents, teachers and healthcare professionals must take a proactive stance to encourage good behaviour. Richman, a behaviour therapy consultant, draws on her years of experience to present 100 frequently asked questions, and then provide clear, easy to follow answers…A heartening go to resource for caregivers of children with ASDs.'

Kirkus Reports
Shira Richman is a behavior therapy consultant who attained her MA in psychology at New York University. She has worked extensively with children with autism spectrum disorders, creating and supervising programs in applied behavior analysis. Shira Richman is the author of Raising a Child with Autism: A Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis for Parents, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
`This easy to read, practical book is written in a question and answer format that means it can be read in its entirety or dipped in and out of as required. The book is based on a behavioural approach, with an emphasis on teaching and developing desirable behaviours and skills as alternatives to less desirable behaviours…It could prove to be a valuable resource not only for parents of children on the autistic spectrum but also for professionals working with them.'
www.youthinmind.co.uk