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A Step-by-Step Curriculum for Early Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders

A Step-by-Step Curriculum for Early Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Lindsay Hilsen

(2011)

Additional Information

Abstract

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is recognized as one of the most effective ways to teach children with autism and studies have shown that the earlier the interventions take place the more likely they are to have a profound, positive impact on a child's later development.

Using the latest research into best practice for children with autism, this curriculum gives a clear outline on what to teach and how to teach it utilizing the principles of ABA. The book is divided up into three sections, each with built-in data collection, and features a CD with all the material in the book so you can print off the section you are working on. The Assessment section allows you to initially measure the child's level of learning and then track their progress over time. The Curriculum section covers nearly ninety crucial steps in a child's development spread over twelve chapters that each focus on a different pivotal area, such as 'Motor', 'Expressive' and 'Academic' Programs. These are broken down into simple tasks that can be taught and monitored easily. The final Mastered section guarantees that progress can be maintained by checking that learnt skills continue to be retained. Generalization assessment is included throughout to make sure the child has adapted to using the skills in a variety of settings.

This book will equip teachers, therapists and parents with a thorough and comprehensive program to help ensure the young learners in their care are achieving developmental goals and are able to reach their full potential as they grow.


Lindsay Hilsen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has dedicated her career to working with children on the Autism Spectrum. She is a qualified elementary level and special education teacher with master's degrees in both special education and education. She has worked as an ABA teacher and is currently the Autism Clinical Educator for Sunny Days Early Childhood Developmental Services, New Jersey.  Lindsay is a frequent presenter and lecturer on Autism and ABA topics. She lives in Monroe Township, New Jersey with her husband and daughter.
A "must" for any parent or teacher working with an autistic child.
The Midwest Book Review
Lindsay Hilsen has gifted us with a wealth of useful forms and helpful information for pre-intervention assessment, monitoring progress during treatment and the follow-up assessment of newly learned skills... Hilsen focuses on socially important behaviors to enable the child to achieve greater independence and interact more effectively with others.... She also emphasizes the importance of generalization, which is often forgotten....[This book] will be a valuable addition to the library of anyone working with young children, whether they employ an ABA approach or something else.
Albert Kearney, clinical psychologist and author of Understanding Applied Behaviour Analysis
There are various helpful programmes (basic, behaviour, motor, receptive, expressive, action, communication, intra-verbal, play, self-help, sort/match and academic)... I am confident that if you could "try before you buy it" you would almost certainly end up buying it, and you would not be disappointed.
eye (early years educator)
Lindsay Hilsen was my son's BCBA therapist during the most crucial window of time for him to learn. My son is one of the more challenging children on the spectrum...there are no quick fixes or special diets that will provide him with a miracle cure. For my child, it took a highly trained and skilled therapist who follows a strong ABA curriculum. Many will benefit from Hilsen's book. This is a proven guide that works.
Mother of a boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder