The Asperkid's Game Plan looks from the inside at the learning style of children with Asperger syndrome and explains how to introduce structured play that engages Asperkids and explicitly addresses ASD weaknesses while exploiting ASD strengths. Demonstrating how just about anything can be turned into an opportunity for learning and growth, the book is bursting with go-to ideas for making simple play equipment in the home or classroom and using it to develop core skills that Asperkids struggle with, from fine motor and social skills, to planning and organization. Whether it's origami math, fried marbles, or a bug's eye view scavenger hunt, every game, project, and idea in the book is explained with clear directions and learning objectives and illustrated with color photographs. Jennifer O'Toole's enthusiastic approach and fun lessons will inspire and motivate parents, educators, and therapists to make purposeful play a part of every Asperkid's day. --- from the publisher Reviews: 'Score! Jennifer Cook O'Toole wins again with The Asperkid's Game Plan, and so do we - the teachers, parents, and clinicians who are looking for ways to be better communicators and educators for our Asperkids. Every child wants to learn, especially those on the autism spectrum, and it's up to us to reach and teach them using methods that will foster their unique abilities and learning strengths. O'Toole's 'Game Plan' is insightful, empowering, and packed full of 'purposeful play' activities that are easy to do and mind-blowingly fun!' - Jodi Murphy, founder of Geek Club Books and mother of an Asperkid 'With the precision of a scientist combined with the artistry of an experienced educator, Jennifer O'Toole has crafted a game changer of a curriculum in the holistic education of children (of all ages!) on the autism spectrum. "Standard" school subjects are seamlessly integrated with developing greater understanding of the self and the universe surrounding us all. This resource is invaluable to anyone wanting direct instruction in successfully educating those with autism - and everyone else as well.' - Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University and internationally renowned author, consultant and presenter on issues related to autism 'Jennifer O'Toole's new book The Asperkid's Game Plan is loaded with fun and educational activities that will keep your child engaged at home, in the car, and on those long, boring vacation drives. Jennifer outlines different learning styles so that the reader can assess their own child to find the right activities that will help with such things as attention, reciprocity, sensory issues, auditory processing and identifying emotions. In each chapter she targets a specific psycho-social skill with a fun activity using every day materials from your own home. The Asperkid's Game Plan is a well-thought out book that presents an alternative to tedious exercises. Suggestions for academic and educational reinforcement are included. The beautiful colors and layout of the book presents a delightful, instructive book that will benefit any child.' - Debra Houssini, parent and founder of The Art of Autism 'Jennifer O'Toole has created a colorful and brilliant work of genius. Therapists of all disciplines will cherish this book. It is a must-buy for every clinic! Jennifer has broken down each awesome activity into its component skills so you don't have to when treatment planning! It is guaranteed to spark creativity while teaching skills for success! What could be better than pairing fun activities with learning? A definite must-read.' - Cara Koscinski, occupational therapist, author of The Pocket Occupational Therapist for Families of Children with Special Needs and mother to two children with autism Contents: Acknowledgments. Introduction. 1. Colored Rice, Three Dimensions and See-Through Eggshells: The Foundational Role of Sensory Work. 2. Human Knots and Cake: What it Means to Be Part of a Team. 3. How Much “Matter” Can You Stuff in There? Personal Priorities, Meet Your Team. 4. The Forest, the Trees, and the Sum of the Parts. 5. Illusions, Spy Games and Triangles: The (Continued) Possibility of More than One Truth. 6. Paint Chip Emotions: Helping Your Asperkid “See” a Rainbow of Feelings. 7. Cracking, Poking and Popping: Breaking Through Rigidity and Letting Wonder In. Appendix: Templates. Resources. References. About the Author: Jennifer Cook O'Toole has Asperger syndrome and is the mother to three young Aspie children. She graduated from Brown University, and attended Columbia University's Graduate School of Social Work. She has previously worked as a social worker, and a teacher in both special needs and mainstream education. She has also served on the Family Advisory Board for Levine Children's Hospital, North Carolina, and regularly gives presentations at hospitals and local universities on special needs parenting. In 2002 she was nominated for Disney's Teacher of the Year Award. More recently, she has been honored with the GRASP (Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership) 2012 Distinguished Spectrumite Medal, as well as the 2012 Temple Grandin Award for ???outstanding accomplishment and contribution to [her] family and community???. She lives near Charlotte, North Carolina.
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