Abstract

Given the significant core deficits in social interaction and communication that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate, it is critical to understand and develop interventions which directly address these needs.

This book considers the theoretical and practical implications of developing and implementing peer-based, group-focused therapeutic approaches with children on the autism spectrum. Albert Cotugno describes the theoretical underpinnings of an intervention model based on cognitive developmental principles, and explains why a group approach is best suited to address and remediate an ASD child's social deficiencies. Group Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders shows how to implement skill-based instructional approaches and presents strategies to assess the short- and long-term effectiveness of this type of therapy, both within the group and in external settings.

The book is intended for school, clinic, and general practitioners involved in group work with special needs children, professionals working with ASD children, and anyone interested in using group interventions as a means to treat social competency and social skills deficits.

It is a good value for money and would be a useful tool for speech and language therapists already running social skills groups for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Speech & Language Therapy in Practice
Group Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Focus on Social Competency and Social Skills is a powerful pick for any working with autistic children... models for interventios and tips on managing emotional responses make this a powerful, practical guide for any health library appealing to educators or therapists working with autistic kids.
The Midwest Book Review
Dr. Albert J. Cotugno is a clinical and educational psychologist with over 30 years' experience of working with seriously emotionally disturbed, learning and attention disordered, developmentally disabled, and autism spectrum disordered children. He now works in independent private practice in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is Director of Group Programs at Massachusetts General Hospital/YouthCare, and Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
This book contains many useful ideas for organising a group based experience for young people with ASD where the primary aim is to enhance social interactional skills.
British Psychological Society
From theories to interventions and models based on basic cognitive research, this is a fine book for school, clinic and general practitioners involved in group work with special needs kids.
The Midwest Book Review