Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism [Spiral-bound]

Elisa Gagnon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001

The motivational power of special interests has long been established. This step-by-step book shows parents and educators how to help change an unwanted or inappropriate behavior by capitalizing on the special interests that characterize children and youth with Asperger Syndrome. The approach is simple, making it easy for parents and educators to use and easy for children to learn desired behaviors. A brief, motivational text related to the child s special interest or a highly admired person is combined with an illustration, which is then made into a bookmark or business card- sized Power Card that the child can refer to whenever needed. For younger children, the special interest or hero is incorporated into a short story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"POWER CARDS capitalizes on the strong interests of individuals with AS to motivate and help them learn." -- Diane Adreon, Associate Director- Center for Autism, University of Miami

"Refreshingly innovative. POWER CARDS is a commonsense approach that I can't wait to try out in my own practice." -- Pamela J. wolfberg, Ph.D., Author/Consultant/Researcher- Autism Institute on Peer Relations and Play-Center for Integrated Play Groups

"This book uses a powerful learning tool- the power of motivation and building success using the child's wonderful interests." --Kathleen Quill, Ed.D, Director Autism Institute, Essex, MA

About the Author

Elisa Gagnon, Ms.Ed. is coordinator, Asperger Syndrome Project, University of Kansas Medical Center. She is also the author (with Brenda Smith Myles) of "This is Asperger Syndrome"- a book written for children ages 6-12 to introduce siblings, peers and other children to the everyday challenges faced by children with Asperger Syndrome at home or at school.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 76 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282013
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282017
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A behavior strategy that's fun to create and easy to use!, March 12, 2002

By 

Cynthia K. Van Horn (Overland Park, Kansas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism (Spiral-bound)

The Power Card Strategy has become one of the most effective strategies we use in our school. It is intrinsically motivating to students because it incorporates a student's special interest or favorite character into a story that helps them understand appropriate behaviors. The Power Card story is fun to develop because the student's favorite TV personality, cartoon character or real life hero explains the importance of using the appropriate behavior and explains how to display this behavior by following the listed steps. This resource has many examples of the Power Card Strategy and walks you through writing your own Power Card story and Power Card. It is an excellent resource for teachers, parents and other professionals who are involved in shaping children's behaviors.

111 of 114 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power Cards- What a strategy!, March 2, 2002

By 

Nicole Rahaim (Naperville, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism (Spiral-bound)

I am a special eduacation teacher in Illinois and work with children with autism spectrum disorder. I mainly work with children with high functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. I have used the Power Card book several times and my district is adapting the strategy as one that really works with this population. My students can relate to their "obsessions" while learning rules- it's perfect! I have seen a significant increase in several target (preferred) behaviors with many students with autism and AS after the Power Card stratedy was implemented. I am big fan of this book. It's easy for anyone to use and I highly recommend it to parents and professionals.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource, February 15, 2005

By 

C. Budd (Lewiston, ID) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism (Spiral-bound)

This book is wonderful and helps me so much with my Asperger's son. I was even able to share it with my son's special education teacher. She thought it was wonderful. It's a great resource for Asperger's children who have a special interest. It's a way to communicate with them. Well worth your money. I'm buying another copy to donate to my son's school.