Communication Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome by 
Assessing and Developing Communication and Thinking Skills in People with Autism and Communication Difficulties by
This fully photocopiable resource offers a flexible framework for the assessment and measurement of the communication skills of children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). Packed with practical assessment and planning sheets, it enables teachers, educators and other professionals to observe and record how children use and understand language, and to follow their progress over time. The completed assessment record is an accessible summary of a child's individual communication style, identifying strengths and weaknesses and the ways in which he or she is best assisted and motivated to communicate. It focuses on how children express themselves in everyday situations - for example, how they make requests or gain attention, the words they use most frequently, and how their communication is affected by different people and places. Most importantly, it provides a diagnosis of where communication skills can be developed and improved. Using the communication curriculum, educators can set appropriate targets, linked to work in other areas, such as literacy and science. A separate thinking skills curriculum aims to develop the skills and confidence necessary for social interaction, from making simple choices to understanding humour and abstract ideas. Originally devised for use with children with ASDs, this toolkit is equally effective in identifying communication problems in other children, and is an invaluable resource for teachers and speech and language therapists.
The Gift of Dyslexia by
"At last! A book about dyslexic thinking by one who is dyslexic, and for fellow dyslexic people... I would recommend this book to any dyslexic and non-dyslexic person. It is a dyslexic friendly book." 'Dyslexic Contact' Like other dyslexics, Ronald Davis had unusual gifts of creativity and imagination, but couldn't function probably at school and it wasn't until he was an adult that he discovered techniques that allowed him to read easily. Written from personal experience of dyslexia, this breakthrough book offers unique insights into the learning problems and stigmas faced by those with the condition, and provides the author's own tried and tested techniques for overcoming and correcting it. "What do Cher, Leonardo da Vinci, Whoopi Goldberg, and Walt Disney all have in common? Dyslexia. Though one may think they achieved success in spite of their disability, Ronald D. Davis... says it's because of it... Once students remove obstacles to learning, they are free to capitalize on the innate gifts dyslexia can bring." 'New Woman' The experience of being dyslexic is fully explained, from its early development to how it becomes gradually entrenched as a child comes to rely on non-verbal perception. Davis demonstrates that people with dyslexia have special talents of perception, imagination and intuition, which can be used to enable them to master the problems they have with reading and mathematics. He shows how the dyslexic mind works and how problems are compounded through failure and frustration. Setting out practical step-by-step techniques, using visualisation and multisensory learning, Ronald Davis brings help to the 15% of children and adults who struggle with reading and writing because of dyslexia. In this revised and expanded edition of his classic work Ronald Davis brings real help to people who have dyslexia. "Presented in a dyslexia friendly style... I would recommend this book, both for people with dyslexia and parents and teachers. It describes the problems so well, but even more importantly it radiates optimism and encouragement and offers a programme for success." 'Disability Now'
Dyslexia by
Dyslexia has long been known as a learning difficulty that primarily affects literacy skills. Increasingly, however, researchers and professionals working with dyslexia suggest that it is less a disorder than a sign of specially gifted people. People with dyslexia often have a highly developed imagination and a unique way of perceiving things. They frequently have above average intelligence and are highly creative, provided they are supported and nurtured by parents and teachers. In this book Cornelia Jantzen explores the basis of this radical viewpoint. Throughout, she provides many practical examples which explore the different aspects of dyslexia, and can give parents and teachers confidence in dealing with the challenges that it presents. This is a helpful and encouraging book for anyone looking for new insights into the enigma of dyslexia.
