A Passion to Believe: Autism and the Facilitated Communication Phenomenon

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Twachtman-Cullen, Diane

Psychology & Counseling

Routledge

A truly comprehensive, teacher- and parent-friendly guide to creating clear and effective IEPs With the skyrocketing diagnoses of ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and related conditions in U.S. schools, there is a growing need for information on creating effective IEPs for exceptional students. The IEP From A to Z is a step-by-step guide showing teachers and parents how to get the right education plan in place for students with ADHD, Autism/Asperger's, Emotional/Behavioral Disturbance, and related conditions. <ul>
<li>Provides easy-to-understand explanations of the special education process along with a wealth of sample effective IEPs</li> <li>Explains what is most important for educators and parents to keep in mind during IEP development</li> <li>Provides content area-specific sample goal and objective templates, general teaching tips for maintaining the IEP, and useful resources</li> </ul>
From nationally recognized experts in the special education field, this book guides readers through the process of writing thoughtful, intelligent Individualized Education Plans that deliver high-quality, need-based educational programming to exceptional students.

The IEP from A to Z: How to Create Meaningful and Measurable Goals and Objectives

Education & Teaching

Twachtman-Bassett, Jennifer

Schools & Teaching

Jossey-Bass

While the main purpose of this book is to report on my research, ultimately this book is about more than facilitated communication. It is about what I have come to call the FC culturethat sociopolitical phenomenon in which unanimity of thought and philosophy has created a class of believers whose sacred' mission is not only to advance the cause of facilitated communication but also to disparage the opposition. It is also about the far-reaching effects that occur when common practice disassociates itself from common sense and when ethics and responsibility fall victim to a passion to believe.”Thus begins A Passion to Believe, Diane Twachtman-Cullen's critical assessment of facilitated communication. Employed as a technique for drawing out the so-called hidden language of nonverbal or expressively limited (typically autistic) individuals, FC has been highly controversial in the United States since its introduction in 1991. Proponents claim the technique frees even profoundly impaired clients of the constraints of disability and allows them to communicate effectively for the first time with their families and caregivers. Scientific experts disagree, citing contradictions between these claims and scientific evidence of the true nature of autism. Resistant to validation by scientific scrutiny and yet quick to introduce facilitated messages as evidence in courtroom claims of abuse by caregivers, FC advocates have generated a polarized debate in the disability community.In her investigation, Twachtman-Cullen plays by the rules of the FC community, employing meticulously documented qualitative, rather than quantitative, research methods to study facilitators and their clients at work. Through her participant observation and assessment, and using actual case studies and transcripts of FC sessions, she confirms the mounting evidence that results obtained through FC are insupportable. In her detailed portraits, heartbreaking scenarios emerge of fervent facilitators and frustrated clients. Moreover, she demonstrates the harm that FC can inflict when unconscious facilitator influence distorts the intentions of the client, creates false hope in families, and leads to false charges of abuse and neglect by caregivers. Her findings will be of interest to anyone concerned with the care of the disabled as well as those interested in the psychology of belief and the struggle between science and pseudoscience.

A Passion To Believe: Autism And The Facilitated Communication Phenomenon (Essays in Developmental Science)

Mental Health

Westview Press

Trevor has impressive skills, however it is not his strengths but rather his differences that are noticed by his classmates. This book tells the story of how Trevor's different skills are recognized by his caring and thoughtful teacher, and how she enables the other children to see things from a different perspective so that Trevor is no longer lonely and isolated.
Trevor Trevor tells the story of a young boy whose characteristics and problems in social relationships suggest a form of autism or other type of pervasive developmental disorder. It uses the form of metaphor to tell the story and is designed to be read to children by adults. It encourages young children to see things from a different perspective so that they may become more sensitive to the important roles which they play in the lives of their classmates with differences.

Trevor Trevor

Children's Books

Twachtman-Cullen, Diane, Ph.D.

Sassano, Deidre

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Starfish Speciality Press

This is the only autism-specific book that I know of that is written specifically for those underpaid angels of the inclusive classroom, the paraprofessional aides. Certainly aides can read the numerous other books about teaching students with autism spectrum disorders and learn a great deal from them. But this book discusses some issues that do not come up in those other books, such as what the relationship should be between the aide and the teacher.'
- The Autism Society of Wisconsin
'OUTSTANDING - The one book every paraprofessional who works with students within the autism spectrum should have. Part One is concise and highlights the essential information every paraprofessional should know when working with students within the autism spectrum. Part Two utilizes a `cook book' format, making it quick and easy to access information, allowing for immediate reference. Real-life examples and proven strategies make this book not only user friendly but immediately effective for all paraprofessionals who use it. A one of a kind!'
- James Ball, Ed.D., Director, Youth Consultation Service, Sawtelle Learning Center, Montclair, NJ
'Dr. Diane Twachtman-Cullen has fulfilled an enormous need in writing a manual that directly addresses the crucial role of paraprofessionals. This manual succeeds at many levels. It is chock full of insights, tips, and anecdotes that bring alive the everyday challenges faced by paraprofessionals, and also provides strategies to address the most common and perplexing challenges. Written in an engaging and personal manner that transcends differences in program approach or philosophy, this manual will be an invaluable resource and core reference for all educational staff - those who are paraprofessionals and those who train and work with paraprofessionals.'
- Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Childhood Communication Services, Cranston, RI
This book will be essential reading for all classroom assistants and support staff working with children with pervasive developmental disorder, autism and Asperger syndrome. It provides strategies to address the most common and perplexing behaviours and is full of insights, tips and anecdotes that bring alive the everyday challenges.
The first part gives the essential information that every paraprofessional should know when working with students within the autism spectrum. The second part provides strategies and guidelines using real life examples in an easily accessible format.
How to be a Para Pro is written in an accessible and engaging way making it an invaluable resource and core reference for all educational staff - those who are classroom assistants and those who train and work with them.

How To Be A Para Pro : A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals

Science & Math

DeLorenzo, David

Behavioral Sciences

Este libro retrata de la vida de una persona con el sindrome de Asperger's, el tipo de autismo alto funcionamiento. Robert Sanders ha sobretriunfado numerosos obstaculos. Sus luchas y sus exitos estan presentados, acompanados de ideas unicas, discernimientos, y soluciones. Este libro da esperanza y estimulo que otros con el sindrome de Asperger's tambien pueden sobretriunfar sus obstaculos.

En Mis Propios Terminos: Mi Jornada con Asperger's

Biographies & Memoirs

Sanders Jr., Robert

Thomas, Murphy

Memoirs

Armstrong Valley Publishing

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