With a unique focus on Canada-wide practices and research, this text offers a comprehensive introduction to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Covering the clinical, educational, and community perspectives of ASD, the authors highlight how educators, direct support professionals, and communities at large can support people with ASD across their lifespan: from early years, to school years, to adulthood. Additionally, the authors emphasize the emerging nature of the field and the importance of evidence based interventions. The resource is divided into four thematic sections. Section one gives an overview of ASD, including prominent researchers in the field and changes in its diagnostic criteria. Section two looks at evidence-based interventions and the newer sensory theories and frameworks. The third section examines ASD across the lifespan, as well as the experiences of parents and families. The final section looks at additional critical issues, including media, sexuality, peer relationships, and immigration. Beyond being a vital asset for ASD programs and resource centres across the country, Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Canadian Context has broad applications suitable for courses on ASD in behavioural science, education, and health studies programs. FEATURES • each chapter features figures, definitions, examples, and questions designed to deepen understanding and elicit reflection • includes feature boxes with interesting perspectives provided by varied members of Canada’s ASD community • unlike other textbooks on ASD, this text focuses on ASD across the lifespan, covering infancy, early childhood and school years, as well as adulthood, in the Canadian context Table of Contents: Preface Section I: An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 1: Brief History of Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 2: Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorder Section II: Characteristics and Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 3: Social-Communication-Based Interventions Chapter 4: Behaviour-Based Interventions Chapter 5: The Sensory Domain Section III: Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan Chapter 6: The Early Years Chapter 7: The School Years Chapter 8: The Adult Years Chapter 9: Parents and Families Section IV: A Critical Look at Autism Spectrum Disorder Chapter 10: Additional Critical Issues References Index About the Authors: Kimberly Maich (PhD, OCT, BCBA-D) is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University. She is also a Registered Psychologist (provisional; master’s-level). Her primary research and teaching interests lie in special education, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in inclusive school environments. Sharon Penney is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Memorial University. Kelly Alves is a Professor in the Behavioural Science Diploma Program at Seneca College. Carmen Hall (MC, CCC, BCBA) is a Professor and Coordinator of the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate at Fanshawe College. Her chief focus has been on promoting and researching social skill development for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in inclusive recreational, educational and community settings. |