Initiations and Interactions: Early Intervention Techniques for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders [Paperback]

Teresa A. Cardon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2007 | ISBN-10: 1931282323 | ISBN-13: 978-1931282321

Research suggests an early start is the key to a successful intervention for children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. What many don't know is that research also shows that for most early intervention programs to be effective, they must involve a child's primary caregivers, especially when it comes to such an all-pervasive area as communication. This book does not advocate that parents steer clear of therapists and specialists. Instead, it attempts to put more control in the parents' hands. Without adding to parents' already busy schedules, Teresa Cardon, a speech language pathologist and author of best-selling Let's Talk Emotions (see page 33), discusses the importance of creating a communication environment in the home. Simple everyday tools include deliberate use of books, toys, visual schedules, and labeling, among others. If your child is currently receiving several therapies, or if you are trying on your own to help encourage and foster communication interactions with your child, take the tools you find helpful in this book and make sure that a "family-centered" approach is part of your weekly regime. If your child is one of the thousands who have been "wait-listed" for services, wait no more - the tools are at your fingertips!

Editorial Reviews

Review

I have been waiting for this book! Teresa Cardon has written a brilliant and practical guide to address the critical skills of early social communication. This resource needs to be put in the hands of parents and all early-intervention professionals. These techniques seize and enhance opportunities, ultimately leading to increased initiations and interactions and shared control of the environment by the child. --Shawn A. Henry, Executive Director, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)

I knew from the title of this book Initiations and Interactions that its philosophical perspective and focus were right on. It did not disappoint! Written in an engaging and approachable style, this book provides parents and professionals alike with best practice ideas for promoting communication and language development, and it does so in a manner that is eminently respectful of the family s crucial role in early intervention. --Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Editor-in-Chief, Autism Spectrum Quarterly

I have been waiting for this book! Teresa Cardon has written a brilliant and practical guide to address the critical skills of early social communication. This resource needs to be put in the hands of parents and all early-intervention professionals. These techniques seize and enhance opportunities, ultimately leading to increased initiations and interactions and shared control of the environment by the child. --Shawn A. Henry, Executive Director, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)

About the Author

Teresa Cardon, M.A., CCC-SLP, is director of speech language pathology at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center. She is the author of Let's Talk Emotions (2004) and has written many articles on communication strategies and early intervention techniques for children with autism. Teresa presents workshops internationally to parents and professionals working with children with autism. Teresa is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in speech & hearing science at Arizona State University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 81 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282323
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282321
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb supplementary resource, June 9, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Initiations and Interactions: Early Intervention Techniques for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Written by Teresa A. Cardon, MA, CCC-SLP, and director of the Speech & Language Department at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center of Phoenix, Arizona, Initiations and Interactions: Early Intervention Techniques for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a no-nonsense, easy-to-follow handbook emphasizing the development of communication skills in one's child and creating a communication-friendly environment in one's home. Chapters discuss the importance of focusing on interacting with one's child during an activity, not the activity itself; how to turn books and story time into interaction time; how to make visual supports (lamination is recommended for long-term durability), and much more. "I can't talk about cuing without including the ever-popular 'raised-eyebrow wait' as it has come to be known around my clinic... mouth open, eyebrows raised, eyes wide open looking very expectant. Since this expression is so universally used, it is probably the most natural thing we can do to prompt a child to take his turn. Of course, it is not always enough of a prompt and that is why the 'Watch & Wait' strategy and the previous prompts are so important." A superb supplementary resource for parents, educators, and anyone who interacts with young children - though created specifically for interacting with autism spectrum children, many of the tips and techniques are sure to help children of all types develop language skills.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Back to essentials, February 26, 2007

By 

Full shelves (Houston, TX, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Initiations and Interactions: Early Intervention Techniques for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Hands on book, full of common sense and with many great activities to enhance communication in children with autism. Many of the activities can be easily fit in both classroom setting and family environment.