Lynn Kern Koegel

A groundbreaking, long overdue book that explains how to identify your autistic child's strengths and abilities and then use them as a tool for social communication, improved learning, and overall growth. The strengths of children and young adults diagnosed with ASD are commonly overlooked, even by trained professionals. Outdated attitudes, lack of sufficient training and an overreliance on standardised testing works against recognising their capabilities. Focusing on the importance of motivation strategies, Hidden Strengths shows you how to build on every autistic child's interests and strengths. Through real-life stories of individuals whose innate abilities blossomed once they were acknowledged, this book dispels unhelpful stereotypes and will help you unlock your child's potential. It also aims to educate the wider community in how to support, accept and embrace the gifts autistic individuals offer. 'Will help both parents and teachers find and develop a child's unique skills in memory, music, math, art, and attention to details. Development of these skills can lead to both a more rewarding life and possible careers' Temple Grandin, PhD, New York Times bestselling author

A groundbreaking exploration of the ways in which the intelligence and abilities of children and young adults with autism are often overlooked and misjudged, with tried-and-true interventions that can be used to help them reach their full potential. Our limited and often biased view of what's considered "normal" often prevents us from recognizing the gifts and brilliance of those who don't fit a specific mold. Too often we don't explore and take advantage of the far-reaching gifts and potential of those diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum or neurodiverse. Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel has had vast experience researching Autism Spectrum Disorders--ASD--and working with autistic people of all ages. She has repeatedly witnessed firsthand evidence of great intelligence that hasn't yet been nurtured or realized. In Hidden Brilliance, Dr. Koegel and writer Claire LaZebnik explore the ways in which the brilliance and talents of children and young adults diagnosed with ASD are commonly overlooked or misjudged, even by trained professionals. This book isn't about changing people, but about bringing out their best, by focusing on and nurturing their strengths. The authors examine the forces at play--including outdated attitudes, a lack of sufficient training, and an overreliance on standardized testing--that complicate and confuse the effort to see the remarkable capabilities of these kids. The authors argue that behaviors often described as disruptive or interfering are actually brilliant attempts at communication and point the reader toward interventions that can encourage people to effectively communicate their needs and thoughts. Hidden Brilliance helps us see how and why parents--who often feel alone in their ability to see past their children's struggles to the incredible capabilities underneath --are often dismissed or ignored. Now in paperback, Hidden Brilliance explains ways to identify your child's strengths and abilities and then use them as a tool for social communication, improved learning, and overall growth. While no one can predict a child's future, a positive and supportive attitude combined with the right goals and interventions that consider the child's strengths can lead to extraordinary growth and connection. Warm and hopeful, Hidden Brilliance opens the door to a new way of looking at people diagnosed with ASD--those who deserve to have their brilliance shine brightly for all to see.

One of the most respected and widely used autism interventions, Pivotal Response Treatment uses natural learning opportunities to modify key behaviors in children—leading to widespread positive effects on communication, behavior, and social skills. Now the pioneering experts behind PRT have created a comprehensive modern guide to this research-based approach, completely reworked and revised for today’s therapists, educators, and parents. Use the proven PRT approach to• advance children’s communication and language skills, even in extremely challenging cases • aid early identification and intervention• improve children’s motivation and performance in school • foster friendships with peers during play dates and other social interactions• increase positive behavior by combining functional assessment and self-management strategies • decrease disruptive behavior• help young adults make a smooth transition to college, career, and community lifeStrengthened with new research and more step-by-step guidance, this bestselling PRT guide is now reorganized to support children on their whole developmental trajectory, from infancy through adulthood. New and revised chapters cover critical topics (see sidebar), and the book’s down-to-earth, accessible style ensures that all readers can grasp PRT principles and apply them effectively. With this proven approach backed by more than 25 years of research, professionals and families will support children with autism as they enjoy more positive interactions, more effective communication, and higher academic achievement.

A fully revised and updated edition of the definitive guide to reducing symptoms of autism spectrum disorder Since Overcoming Autism was first published nearly a decade ago, many theories about autism have fallen by the wayside. But the interventions described in this book have been shown to be the best approach to improving the development and quality of life of children with autism. Together, Lynn Kern Koegel, the nationally recognized head of the Autism Research Center at the University of California, and Claire LaZebnik, a professional writer and the mother of a child with autism, have updated their classic guide with today's cutting-edge research. This revised edition has also been expanded to clarify the importance of community support to affected families and the effect of societal acceptance on a child's life. Still the only book on autism coauthored by professional in the field and a parent with first-hand experience, Overcoming Autism is as warm and nurturing as it is authoritative.

What is Pivotal Response Treatment? What's the research behind it, what does it look like in practice, and what are some good examples of how to use it? Now one concise book gives professionals and parents all the basics of the widely used PRT -- one of a select group of highly effective, evidence-based treatments for autism. A great resource for educators, behaviour specialists, early interventionists, SLPs, occupational therapists, and families, this reader-friendly pocket guide is the perfect introduction to PRT, the popular approach that uses natural learning opportunities to modify pivotal areas of behaviour. Pioneering autism experts Robert and Lynn Koegel speak directly to the reader, demystifying PRT and clearly explaining why it leads to widespread and rapid progress for children. Filled with helpful tips and many practical examples based on actual children, the book reveals the key principles behind motivating children with natural reinforcersreducing disruptive behaviourencouraging communication and social initiationsdeveloping a challenging curriculum that helps children make progressassessing children meaningfully in natural environmentsclosely collaborating with parents on goals and interventionshelping families weave interventions into everyday routinesensuring that children generalise skills to other settingsdecreasing parents' stress and offering positive support Throughout the book, the Koegels engage readers with down-to-earth guidance based on best practice, true stories from their decades of experience with children and families, and clear explanations of what the research says about PRT. And the end-of-chapter questions for teachers, therapists, and parents reinforce key points and prepare them for effective PRT implementation. An essential first step in PRT training and a must-have for every member of a child's support team, this quick and practical introduction will get everyone on board with PRT and equip them with the fundamentals they need to use it in the real world.

The first comprehensive guide to helping teens with autism--from the acclaimed authors of Overcoming Autism With an estimated half a million Americans under twenty-six on the autism spectrum, this book offers the reassurance, solace, and practical solutions that so many people are searching for. Following up on their work in Overcoming Autism, which offered advice for teaching young children on the spectrum, Lynn Koegel and Claire LaZebnik now present strategies for working with teens and young adults living with this complex condition. Addressing universal parental concerns, from first crushes and a changing body to how to succeed in college and beyond, Growing Up on the Spectrum is a beacon of hope and wisdom for parents, therapists, and educators alike.

This book provides positive behavioural supp ort techniques that can be used to facilitate inclusion at h ome, at school and in the community. It covers important fam ily concerns, soialisation issues and related matters in edu cational systems. '