Teaching Adolescents With Autism

Reaching teens with autism requires knowledge and heart Award-winning educator Walter Kaweski offers secondary teachers practical strategies and heartfelt insights based on his extensive experience as an autism specialist, inclusion coordinator, and father of a son with Asperger syndrome. Students with special needs often require extra support as they adjust to middle and high school and the changes that accompany adolescence. Without support, this time can be overwhelming. Teaching Adolescents With Autism offers hundreds of valuable ideas to help teachers: - Understand the causes and manifestations of autism - Solve adolescent behavior challenges - Support students with diverse needs - Implement academic and behavioral interventions- Help students adjust to social situations - Understand special education policy Each chapter offers numerous personal stories that illustrate and reinforce strategies in a tangible way. Important concepts are augmented with bulleted lists, tables, figures, photographs, and cartoons drawn by a student with autism. This unique book takes the mystery out of teaching adolescents with autism and inspires teachers to appreciate the individuality of each student.

Walt Kaweski is a student teacher supervisor at California State University, Sacramento. With thirty-four years of experience in public education, he has taught a wide variety of subjects and grade levels including high school English, intervention reading and math, history, and instrumental music. Kaweski was awarded the 2007 Teacher of the Year Award by his school district for his work developing a successful inclusion program for students with autism. In partnership with Sacramento State University, he trains teacher candidates pursuing the special education credential. He has presented at local, state and national conferences on topics concerning inclusion support and friendship development for students with autism. Kaweski earned his Master of Arts in Special Education from Sacramento State University. He is a certified Moderate-Severe Special Education Specialist and Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development Specialist.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Introduction
1. Understanding Autism
2. Understanding Inclusive Education
3. Promoting Positive Behavior
4. Communication
5. Friendship and Belonging
6. Understanding Support: Successful Strategies for Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
7. Classroom Instruction: Effective Strategies for Whole Group Instruction
8. Organization
Resources
Special Education Support Resources
Inclusion Support Resource
Behavior Support Resources
Instructional Assistant Support Guide
References
Index