Helping Children with Autism Learn

Bryna Siegel, author of World of the Autistic Child, tackles the education of the autistic child, taking us through each of the characteristic learning styles of these children to show us the unique challenges facing the parent and educator. This handbook will not only enumerate the many learning styles and "autistic learning disabilities", but critique all of the available educational programs for these children, pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of each and the appropriateness of a program for specific "disabilities". Siegel emphasises the need to tailor programs to fit each child's unique needs, and to adapt programs as the child matures and changes. The book is structured so that the parent and teacher can use it as a program planner and can evaluate the success and appropriateness of each strategy, refining the program as necessary. Key areas of concentration are language, academic skills, social skills, as well as adapting the child to independence and day-to-day needs.