How To Be A Para Pro : A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals [Paperback]

Diane Twachtman-Cullen (Author), David DeLorenzo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

Written for classroom assistants and support staff working with pervasive developmental disorder, autism and Asperger syndrome, this guide provides strategies to address the most common and perplexing behaviours and contains insights, tips and anecdotes that bring alive the everyday challenges. The first part gives the essential information that every paraprofessional should know when working with students within the autism spectrum. The second part provides strategies and guidelines using real life examples in an easily accessible format.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Contains the knowledge & experience of an expert presented with the warmth, humor, & instructional talent of a genuine teacher & friend. -- Carol Gray, Editor, The Morning News, Spring 2000

From the Back Cover

Dr. Diane Twachtman-Cullen has fulfilled an enormous need in writing a manual that directly addresses the crucial role of paraprofessionals...This manual succeeds at many levels. It is chock full of insights, tips, and anecdotes that bring alive the everyday challenges faced by paraprofessionals, and also provides strategies to address the most common and perplexing challenges. Written in an engaging and personal manner that transcends differences in program approach or philosophy, this manual will be an invaluable resource and core reference for all educational staff - those who are paraprofessionals and those who train and work with paraprofessionals. (Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Childhood Communication Services, Cranston, RI)

How To Be A Para Pro is a book that must find its way to every school district, every school, and every classroom where children with autistic spectrum disorders are educated...Regardless of the page number, the goal of this volume never falters from view: placing information in the critically important hands of the paraprofessional...If applause can be silent and verbally unexpressed, Diane will ultimately know the applause of children who experience educational environments that are trained, understanding, and supportive of their efforts to learn. Simply stated, this is a very important book for paraprofessionals, educators, and the children they serve. (Carol Gray, Editor, The Morning News, Jenison, MI; Developer, Social Stories)

OUTSTANDING - The one book every paraprofessional who works with students within the autism spectrum should have. Part One: Autism Spectrum Disorders 101: A Short Course is concise and highlights the essential information every paraprofessional should know when working with students within the autism spectrum. Part Two: The Art and Science of Being a Para Pro, utilizes a "cook book" format, making it quick and easy to access information, allowing for immediate reference. Real-life examples and proven strategies make this book not only user friendly but immediately effective for all paraprofessionals who use it. A one of a kind! (James Ball, Ed.D., Director, Youth Consultation Service, Sawtelle Learning Center, Montclair, NJ)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Starfish Specialty Pr (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966652916
• ISBN-13: 978-0966652918
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars To give to teachers, parents and caregivers, October 27, 2000

By 

"liliamh" (Wilton, NH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How To Be A Para Pro : A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals (Paperback)

From BASICS to understanding what is happening inside the maind of an Aperger's kid. This book gave us more information on how to manage my son than any seminars we attended before. To the K. teacher gave tools and what to do for difficult moments. We keep this book at school for everyone to consult . Information makes the difference to understanding and improving teaching.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for parents and professionals, December 4, 2003

By 

Lisa Ackerman (Newport Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How To Be A Para Pro : A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals (Paperback)

This book explains different situations you WILL encounter working with special needs children and the classroom and beyond. It provides clear instructions on what to do and WHAT NOT TO DO in a variety of situations.

I give this book to teachers, aides and professionals who work with my kid as holiday or welcome to the team gifts. It is a good read and resources.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific book for parents, October 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: How To Be A Para Pro : A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals (Paperback)

This book has a wealth of information. Even though the chapters are short, and because of that, very readable, they are jam packed with useful information. I especially liked the tremendous number of specific, useful strategies located in the tables within part 2. I wonder if the reviewer below read the same book I read because I found this VERY readable.