1st Edition
The Autism Resource Manual for Families Practical Strategies for Parents and Family Support Professionals
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
PREFACE
FOREWORD
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
SECTION 1: ANXIETY
Methods for unpicking problems
Need for Predictability
Pause to Ponder
Other emotions
Other Issues
Resource Sheet 1: The 5-Point Scale
Resource Sheet 2a: Unpicking a problem blank
Resource Sheet 2b: Unpicking a problem example
SECTION 2: COMMUNICATION
Conversation skills Understanding Pause to ponder
Resource Sheet 3: Processing
SECTION 3: DIAGNOSIS
Before diagnosis
Diagnostic process
Following diagnosis
Pause to ponder
SECTION 4: FAMILY LIFE
Applies to all topics below
Away from home
Bedrooms
Family Events
Family Mealtimes
Helping out
Living between two homes
Siblings
Pause to Ponder
Resource Sheet 4a: Scales of preference blank
Resource Sheet 4b: Scales of preference example
SECTION 5: REACTIONS
Disengaging
Pause to Ponder
Reactions Naughtiness or autism
Interpretation of phrases
Taking responsibility
Towards success
SECTION 6: SENSORY SENSITIVITY
Co-ordination
Interoception
Response to smells
Response to sounds
Response to taste and texture
Response to touch and texture
Response to visual input
Pause to Ponder Sensory Overload
SECTION 7: SOCIALISING
Friendships
Visiting another home
Visitors to home
Pause to Ponder
SECTION 8: SUPPORTING SCHOOL
Attendance
Incidents in school
Pause to Ponder Routines School trips Tests and exams
SECTION 9: TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE
Personal care
Useful skills
Pause to Ponder
What next?
Resource Sheet 5: Life’s path
USEFUL RESOURCES
Biography
Debbie Riall is a Specialist Teacher for Neurodiversity currently working for The Athelstan Trust across five secondary schools. She originally worked as a class teacher of autistic pupils for over 20 years, then as an advisor for the last 15 years. She also trained in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and joined the weekly multi-agency diagnostic team in south Wales for five years. Her first book, The Autism Resource Manual: Practical Strategies for Teachers and other Education Professionals was published in 2022.
"I have so enjoyed reading through this book. I've picked up so much advice and food for thought." - Jenny Hayward, parent
