People who have both autism spectrum disorder and complex communication needs require specialized, multidisciplinary interventions and supports to boost their independence and quality of life. Find up-to-date, evidence-supported information and strategies in this book, the newest volume in the respected Augmentative and Alternative Communication series. This essential resource brings together more than 30 internationally recognized researchers from three important disciplines: augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), special education, and applied behavior analysis (ABA). Practitioners and clinicians will discover how to combine key interventions from these disciplines to make positive differences in the lives of the people they work with. With this meticulously researched guide to today's best strategies and supports, readers will have the information they need to improve outcomes for people with autism and complex communication needs.
RESEARCH-BASED GUIDANCE ON
• Using evidence-based teaching methods with learners of all ages
• Conducting effective assessment and linking results with intervention planning
• Selecting high-tech and low-tech AAC options that meet individual needs
• Bringing about lasting changes to behavior with functional communication training
• Evaluating specific interventions that target social communication
• Implementing parent- and peer-mediated interventions
• Using customized visual and environmental supports in a variety of settings About the Authors: Jennifer B. Ganz, Ph.D., BCBA-D,is a Professor of Special Education at Texas A&M University. She received her doctorate at the University of Kansas, with a concentration in autism spectrum disorder and behavioral disorders and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral. Her research focuses on the use of technology to improve social-communication deficits in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Dr. Ganz has worked in general and special education and as an educational consultant and continues to consult and present in Texas to schools and parents on topics relating to ASD and other developmental disabilities. She has also been a speaker at regional, national, and international conferences on topics including interventions for behavior and ASD, including strategies to address social and communication skills. Dr. Ganz has received several grants to fund research and service projects involving students with ASD and intellectual disabilities and a personnel preparation project for professionals working with children with disabilities. In addition, Dr. Ganz has authored or co-authored numerous articles, books, and chapters. Richard L. Simpson, Ed.D.,was a Professor of Special Education at the University of Kansas where he dedicated numerous University of Kansas and University of Kansas Medical Center demonstration programs for students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities and coordinated variety of federal grant programs related to students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. He also worked as a special education teacher, school psychologist, and coordinator of a community mental health outreach program. He authored numerous books, articles, and assessments on a variety of topics connected to students with disabilities. Simpson is the former senior editor of the professional journal Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. His awards include the Council for Exceptional Children Research Award, Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders Leadership Award, Autism Society of Kansas leadership Award, and numerous University of Kansas awards and distinguished roles, including the Gene A. Budig Endowed Teaching Professorship of Special Education. |
