Amanda Webster

This book presents an international research-based framework that has empowered parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become critical decision makers to actively guide their child’s learning and self-advocacy. Parents can use this framework to identify their child’s vision and dreams, and to work with educators and service providers to establish specific learning goals and to implement effective interventions and programs that enable their child to achieve those goals and realise their vision for the future. The book begins by reviewing available research on evidence-based practice for children with ASD and outlining the Cycle of Learning decision-making framework for parents and professionals. Throughout the remainder of the book, case studies are presented to illustrate the ways in which different parents have successfully utilised this framework to develop effective plans for their child and to advocate for learning and education programs for both their child and other children with ASD in school and community settings. In addition, it highlights concrete examples of how parents have used the framework to empower their children with ASD to develop their self-awareness and self-determination, and to be able to self-advocate as they move through adolescence and into adult life.

This book presents an international research-based framework that has empowered parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become critical decision makers to actively guide their child’s learning and self-advocacy. Parents can use this framework to identify their child’s vision and dreams, and to work with educators and service providers to establish specific learning goals and to implement effective interventions and programs that enable their child to achieve those goals and realise their vision for the future. The book begins by reviewing available research on evidence-based practice for children with ASD and outlining the Cycle of Learning decision-making framework for parents and professionals. Throughout the remainder of the book, case studies are presented to illustrate the ways in which different parents have successfully utilised this framework to develop effective plans for their child and to advocate for learning and education programs for both their child and other children with ASD in school and community settings. In addition, it highlights concrete examples of how parents have used the framework to empower their children with ASD to develop their self-awareness and self-determination, and to be able to self-advocate as they move through adolescence and into adult life.

This book reports a systematic synthesis of research on teachers' use of adjustments to support students with special educational needs who are currently in their mainstream classrooms. It presents a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of both quantitative and qualitative data, including studies involving observation, artefact examination, interviews, and surveys. It offers a holistic understanding of the current practices used by teachers to fulfil the intent of international inclusive education policy, and support the inclusion of students with a range of needs within the context of mainstream classrooms and programmes. This book also offers a range of recommendations for improving practice.

An honest and deeply personal story of how a privileged white woman deals with the realisationthat the children she grew up with were part of the Stolen Generation. Born into privilege and wealth in 1959, Amanda Webster is a sixth-generation Australian descended from white settlers and a third-generation resident of Kalgoorlie. When she turned five Amanda startedschool at Kalgoorlie where she met and befriended Aboriginal children from the nearby KurrawangMission, established in 1952 – with the help of the Department of Native Affairs – by Brethrenmissionaries. At that time the affairs of Aboriginal people were controlled by the Chief Protector, noneother than Webster’s very own grandfather. Forty years later, Webster returns to her hometown to reconnect with her former friends, and to piecetogether Kurrawang’s story. Webster confronts her racist blunders, her cultural ignorance and her family’ssecret past, beginning a journey of reconciliation that will take her well outside her comfort zone and into a world she hardly knew existed. A Tear in the Soul is a frank, beautifully written account of Webster’s personal journey towards the realisation that she, like generations of Australians, grew up with a distorted and idealised version of the past. This book, shattering many of the myths about modern Australia’s history, will shock, move and anger yet give a sense of hope for the future.