The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers (J-B Ed: Checklist) [Paperback]

Paula Kluth (Author), John Shouse (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470434082 | ISBN-13: 978-0470434086 | Publication Date: September 8, 2009 | Edition: 1

A practical resource filled with information, tips, and checklists for helping kids with autism

This useful, accessible guide offers teachers and parents a better understanding of children on the autism spectrum and provides them with the kinds of support and intervention they need. Written in an easy-to-read checklist format, the book is filled with up-to-date research, practical advice, and helpful resources on a wide range of topics. The book covers five areas: basic information on autism, checklists for parents, checklists for teachers, effective support strategies, and helpful resources.

• Provides vital, accessible information for parents and teachers working with children in the autism spectrum
• Contains a wealth of useful strategies, information, and resources
• A volume in the popular Jossey-Bass Checklist series
• Offers a comprehensive yet affordable resource
• Kluth is the bestselling author of You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students with Autism

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Autism Checklist

Whether you are the parent of a child on the spectrum or a classroom teacher, this "go to" reference will help you better understand children and teenagers with autism and Asperger's syndrome and give you advice on providing appropriate, sensitive, and effective supports both at home and at school. Internationally known consultant, educator, and advocate Paula Kluth, and contributing author John Shouse (the parent of a young man with autism), offer the most current information available and practical advice on a wide range of topics including:

• Early indicators of autism and tools commonly used to screen and diagnose

• The positive traits often associated with autism

• Modifying the home for a child with autism

• What can be done at school and at home to build social skills and teach organization

• Advocating for a child with autism or Asperger's syndrome

• What educators can do if they think a student is "on the spectrum"

• Building a supportive classroom community

• "Don'ts" for working with students on the spectrum

Presented in a concise, easy-to-read checklist format, The Autism Checklist also contains a wealth of recommended books, websites, vendors, and organizations.

Praise for The Autism Checklist

"As well as being a standout addition to the litany of parenting books available, this manual may be the most effective strategy guide for educators that I've yet seen. The Autism Checklist doesn't demand an enormous amount of teachers' time, yet it gives them (and parents) volumes of useful information."
—Michael John Carley, executive director, GRASP (The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, Inc.) and author, Asperger's From the Inside Out

About the Author

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, educator, and advocate whose specialties include supporting children with autism and other disabilities in inclusive classrooms. A former special education teacher, Kluth is the author of numerous books including You're Going to Love This Kid: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Schools. For more information, go to www.PaulaKluth.com.

John Shouse served as president of the Autism Society of Middle Tennessee and as vice chair of the national board of the Autism Society of America. He is the father of three children, including Evan, his thirteen-year-old son with autism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470434082
• ISBN-13: 978-0470434086
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #432,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction, and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.

Paula is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, consulting teacher, and inclusion facilitator. She works with teachers in K-12 schools, pre-schools, and early intervention programs. She also regularly works with family organizations and disability-rights and advocacy groups.

She is the author of "You're Going to Love This Kid": Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom ; the lead editor of Access to Academics: Critical Approaches to Inclusive Curriculum, Instruction, and Policy, and the co-author of several other books including A Land We Can Share: The Literate Lives of Students with Autism; Joyful Learning: Active and Collaborative Structures for the Inclusive Classroom; You're Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for Inclusive Schools, Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Support & Honor the Interests of Students with Autism; and A is for All Aboard.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Addition to a Caregivers Arsenal, September 8, 2009

By 

P. Leed (Boston, Ma) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers (J-B Ed: Checklist) (Paperback)

Paula Kluth's book, "The Autism Checklist" is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of those providing care for an autistic individual. In one place and in very clear language, one can find the answers many will have about raising an autistic person. Throughout the book, Kluth adopts a compassionate yet practical point of view. It is difficult for parents to raise an autistic child and for teachers to reach them. Time is limited and emotions often come into play so an easy to use reference that can help parents and teachers save time and replace emotions with rational tactics and strategies is always welcomed. This is just what Kluth's work does and she along with John Shouse her co-author deserve praise for their efforts.

This work will be useful for those new to the field as well those with considerable experience. It will also help the relatives of families understand what parents are going through and how best to help.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll want to buy this in bulk, September 28, 2009

By 

Penny - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers (J-B Ed: Checklist) (Paperback)

The authors have packed a lot of information into short sections that are useful for anyone who interacts with individuals on the autism spectrum. Most of the classroom tips and strategies are applicable to homeschoolers. I like the fact that Kluth and Shouse include a lot of information on sensory challenges and movement differences in autism, two topics that are sometimes shortchanged in books about autism. You'll need a highlighter and your sticky notes to mark pages, if you're like me. This is one you're going to want to order in bulk, so you have one to keep and some to loan or give to teachers, church staff, coaches, and others who interact with your family member who is on the autism spectrum. You might even make it required reading for anyone who interacts with your child.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Carolyn Gammicchia, November 1, 2009

By 

C. Gammicchia "The answers are within" (MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Autism Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Teachers (J-B Ed: Checklist) (Paperback)

I would urge every parent of a child with ASD, every educator who teaches children with ASD, as well as each individual within the community that supports individuals with ASD to purchase at least one copy of this book. My initial purchase was five copies and I'm on my second order.

For many years Paula Kluth has been an asset to our son's educational process with her previous publications as well as professional advice on her website. She is not only invested in assisting within her professional standards, but also has done much within community acceptance and awareness for individuals living with autism daily. She is an amazing advocate for all children and adults that have unique learning and communication abilities as well.

John Shouse's input in this book also is apparent not only from the insight of being a parent, but also from the aspect of an individual that is a strong believer in community access, providing opportunity, and giving that gem of information that just clicks.

As a parent of an eighteen year old son with ASD, I am very appreciative that this book exists and only wish I had it sixteen years ago when our son was first diagnosed.