Everyday Teaching Autism Resources

Are you looking for good autism books for parents and educators yourself? There are many resources out there brining great values and perspectives to understand and support this community. Here are some of my favorites!

Uniquely Human

One of my favorite autism books for parents is Uniquely Human by Dr. Barry Prizant. This book has shifted my mindset on teaching children with needs. Accepting who they come first- and then my job will be to recognize the need to teach necessary skills for them to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. After all, we are all unique in some ways. Barry Prizant, a renowned autism expert, offers a compassionate and empowering perspective on autism in this book. Drawing on his extensive clinical experience, he focuses on understanding the individual behind the diagnosis, promoting self-determination, and creating supportive environments that embrace neurodiversity.

The Verbal Behavior Approach

It is one of the most popular books in the field of ABA using the verbal behavior approach. The author, Dr. Mary Barbera, is a mom/nurse/educator/and board-certified behavior analyst. She described some of the easy-to-use teaching procedures for any parents or educators to promote early verbal behavior in the natural setting.   

Thinking in Pictures

Temple Grandin is a hero with autism who overcame many challenges in her life and became an expert in the field she is passionate about.  She travels and still actively gave a speech about her life and real pictures of living with autism.  Her life was well depicted in the movie, “Temple Grandin”.  In her book, she explained why it is so hard to have eye contact while having conversations with others. Temple Grandin, a well-known advocate and individual with autism, shares her personal experiences and insights in this thought-provoking memoir. This book offers parents a unique window into the mind of someone on the autism spectrum and provides valuable perspectives on autism, sensory sensitivity, and the potential for success and fulfillment in individuals with autism.

Carly’s Voice

Are you going to believe only what you see? Are we going to use the same method over and over even though a child is not making progress? What if we, educators, didn’t find the right way to help the individual with severe autism reach his/her full potential? Carly’s story opens up a new level of challenges for educators.  Let’s say, “Non-verbal doesn’t mean she has nothing to say. “

Pivotal Response Treatments

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is an evidence-based intervention approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a naturalistic behavioral intervention that targets pivotal areas of development, such as motivation, responsivity to multiple cues, self-management, and social initiations. PRT aims to improve communication, social, and behavioral skills by capitalizing on the child’s interests and reinforcing positive behaviors. Don’t get stuck on the traditional ABA program(DTT based), and move on to the more child-centered approach. PRT focused on increasing a child’s initiation, self-management, and social opportunities using motivational procedures. If any parents are looking for resources, try to find information on PRT and Koegel Autism Center. 

NeuroTribes

This autism book is a relatively new addition to the field. “NeuroTribes” by Steve Silberman is an engaging and enlightening book that delves deep into the history, understanding, and perception of autism. As a parent with a child on the autism spectrum, this book offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on autism. Silberman’s comprehensive research, combined with his compassionate storytelling, provides parents with a wealth of knowledge and empowers them to better support their child’s unique journey. In this review, we will explore the key themes and takeaways that make “NeuroTribes” a must-read for parents raising children with autism.