The Socially Included Child: A Parent's Guide to Successful Playdates, Recreation, and Family Events for Children with Autism

by Laurie Fivozinsky LeComer

Overview

An indispensable step-by-step guide for socializing any child on the autism spectrum.

Parents of children with autism often end up skipping family functions, playdates, and social outings for fear that their children will be unsafe, behave inappropriately, or feel overwhelmed. Now, no matter a child's language skills or behaviors, he or she can start participating socially with LeComer's clear action steps.

The Socially Included Child introduces a new organizational tool called the I.D.E.A.L. system, which allows parents to:

I: Introduce an Activity
D: Determine the Tasks Involved
E: Evaluate Your Expectations
A: Accommodate for Success
L: List the Components of the Activity Visually

Here is the essential guide for parents who want to ensure that their children enjoy the benefits-and fun-of socializing, while still accommodating their special needs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780425229651
Publisher:	Penguin Publishing Group
Publication date:	12/01/2009
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Laurie Fivozinsky LeComer, EdM, is a special educator and a nationally recognized behavioral and developmental consultant. She is the author of The Socially Included Child.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

Part 1 Social Considerations and Individualized Expectations

1 Your Child's Interests, Approachability, and Communication Style 3

2 Understanding Sensory Sensitivities and Tolerance 23

3 Nonconducive Behaviors and Safety 39

4 Enlisting Help from Parents, Teachers, and Peers 58

5 Pairing the Right Activities with the Right Reinforcements 72

Part 2 Previewing and Planning Using I.D.E.A.L. Elements

6 I: Introduce an Activity 87

7 D: Determine the Tasks Involved 96

8 E: Evaluate Your Expectations 105

9 A: Accommodate for Success 115

10 L: List the Activity Components Visually 127

Part 3 Facilitating Social Opportunities Using I.D.E.A.L.

11 Playdates 141

12 Birthday Parties 154

13 Family Holiday Gatherings 167

14 Recreational Activities 181

15 Family Restaurant Visits and Trips 196

Conclusion 209

Appendix: I.D.E.A.L. Resources for Social Activities 215

Index 221