From Ritual to Repertoire: A Cognitive-Developmental Systems Approach with Behavior-Disordered Children (Wiley Series on Personality Processes) [Hardcover]

Arnold Miller (Author), Eileen Eller-Miller (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471848972 | ISBN-13: 978-0471848974 | Publication Date: August 1989 | Edition: 1

Using a systems approach firmly grounded in cognitive development theory and findings, this book offers a new, well-researched method for intervening with severely disturbed children--autistic, brain-damaged, retarded, emotionally deprived, and developmentally delayed. This approach emphasizes building on the strengths of each child's coping mechanisms rather than on conventional behavior modification techniques, which the authors see as raising serious ethical questions. Their approach has been tried and tested in clinical practice and has demonstrated its efficacy. The book examines the formation of systems in normal and abnormal development and discusses specifics of assessment and intervention with disordered children.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Using a systems approach firmly grounded in cognitive development theory and findings, this book offers a new, well-researched method for intervening with severely disturbed children--autistic, brain-damaged, retarded, emotionally deprived, and developmentally delayed. This approach emphasizes building on the strengths of each child's coping mechanisms rather than on conventional behavior modification techniques, which the authors see as raising serious ethical questions. Their approach has been tried and tested in clinical practice and has demonstrated its efficacy. The book examines the formation of systems in normal and abnormal development and discusses specifics of assessment and intervention with disordered children.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (August 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471848972
• ISBN-13: 978-0471848974
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,122,961 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

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understand and Work with Children on the Autism Spectrum, April 24, 2002

By 

Stephen M. Shore "Tumbalaika" (Newton, MA United States, Author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Ritual to Repertoire: A Cognitive-Developmental Systems Approach with Behavior-Disordered Children (Wiley Series on Personality Processes) (Hardcover)

Building on the cognitive-developmental work of Heinz Werner, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky and Ludwig von Bertalanffy the Millers' have formed groundbreaking interpretations of how children on the autism spectrum perceive their world. Based on the belief that no matter how disordered appearing, children with autism are actually struggling to make sense of a confusing environment. Ritual is chock full of intrinsically rewarding interventions design to give structure to the child's life and encourages generalization. Most of the techniques described can be implemented using materials found in a typical home or school.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best new looks at autism therapy approaches!, March 28, 2010

By 

Jodi (Avon, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Ritual to Repertoire: A Cognitive-Developmental Systems Approach with Behavior-Disordered Children (Wiley Series on Personality Processes) (Hardcover)

This book is not an easy read, but it's research-based, full of incredible information, observations, and strategies, woven into a concept in autism instruction and intervention that is not in the mainstream. However, the basis and actual methodology of the Miller Method is very similar to other strategies, such as TEACCH or ABA, but with a definite twist and focus more on why the behaviors or processing disorders occur as the basis for intervention rather than just addressing behaviors and skill deficits. Skill acquisition and all interventions are very language-based with the overlying goal being effective, if not typical, communication skills and skill performance in real-life settings. I observed in the center where they implement this method with the Millers and it's just incredible in person. So much research has been done to support their methods, but they also change their methodology based on research outcomes and to fit individual needs. A very good and necessary read for all professionals working in the field of autism spectrum disorders.