Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.