Right from the Start: A Practical Guide for Helping Young Children with Autism [Paperback]

In Right from the Start: A Practical Guide for Helping Young Children with Autism, Karin Donahue and Kate Crassonsassert that autistic children can be successful when parents and teachers understand key principles of autism and have the tools to help these children expand their social and emotional skills. Emphasizing the importance of self-regulationthe ability to moderate our feelings and reactionsthe authors describe practical strategies to help children manage their emotions and behavior, learn social and play skills, and cope with challenging sensory experiences. Right from the Start is a needed and indispensable resource for parents, professionals, and educators. With these techniques, we can lay a positive foundation that enables autistic children to be confident and successful in any environment.

Karin Donahue, PhD, is associate professor of psychology at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA. She is also a behavior specialist consultant specializing in autism and has more than thirty years of clinical experience working with children and their families.

Kate Crassons, PhD, is associate professor of English at Lehigh University and the director of the Lehigh University Press. After becoming the parent of an autistic child, her research and teaching have expanded to focus on topics including neurodiversity and disability studies.

Parents and caregivers of autistic children and teens will find this work offers sensible and realistic ideas that apply to all areas of a child's life. Library Journal

One in 59 children has autism, and Honahue, a psychology teacher who works with families, and Crassons, whose son, Henry, is on the spectrum, want to help preschoolers and their parents live with this neurological condition . . . THe authors want to empower parents to help their kids learn self-regulation so they can calm themselves and avoid sensory overload. They cite many examples and provide simple solutions . . . Parelƒ