
Erica Grindinger
Special Education Intensive Resource
UNIQUE LEARNERS
Special Education Professional Portfolio
Resources
Disclaimer:
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It is important to note that autism is a passionate topic to many individuals. There are multiple opinions regarding the same topics. There are going to be websites and information with opposing sides and sometimes opposite information.
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It is also important to note that there are certain groups and organizations that have been mixed up in controversy that you can read about. It does not always mean that the information they give you is wrong but they might not conduct their organization in the most sought after fashion. It is always important to fact check and to make your own informed decisions.
It is always important to consult with medical personnel and trained professionals regarding treatment and interventions.


The Reason I Jump
by
Naoki Higashida
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Description: Written by a non-verbal autistic teenager, this book provides an insightful look into the thoughts and feelings of someone with ASD. It answers common questions about behaviors, emotions, and experiences from an autistic person’s perspective, offering a first-person narrative.
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Audience: Parents, educators, and anyone wanting to better understand non-verbal individuals with autism.
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Advantages: Offers a rare and empathetic glimpse into the mind of someone with ASD, written in a highly accessible and emotional style.
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Disadvantages: Since it’s written by a young individual, it may not offer clinical or professional advice; it's more about understanding the inner world of ASD rather than offering concrete strategies.

The Autism Sourcebook
by
Karen Siff Exkorn
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Description: This book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding autism, from diagnosis to treatment options. It offers insights from medical professionals as well as tips from parents who have children with ASD. It also covers legal rights, educational strategies, and financial considerations.
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Audience: Parents of newly diagnosed children with ASD, caregivers, and educators looking for a thorough overview.
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Advantages: Well-rounded and accessible, offering practical information for navigating the complexities of autism from various angles (medical, educational, and social).
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Disadvantages: Some sections may feel overwhelming for parents new to ASD due to the breadth of information presented.

Unstuck and On Target!
by
Lynn Cannon, Lauren Kenworthy,
Katie Alexander
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Description: This book focuses on executive functioning strategies for students with ASD, particularly on improving flexibility, emotional regulation, and goal-setting. It provides lesson plans, worksheets, and activities designed for classroom use but adaptable for home as well.
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Audience: Educators, therapists, and parents of school-aged children with autism.
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Advantages: Practical and easy to implement, with a strong focus on building real-world skills that can improve day-to-day functioning.
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Disadvantages: The strategies may need customization for children with more severe ASD or non-verbal students, as it’s primarily geared toward higher-functioning children.
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Autism Navigator
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Description: Autism Navigator is an online collection of video-based tools and resources designed to help parents, caregivers, educators, and medical professionals learn about ASD. It focuses on early signs of autism and evidence-based interventions for young children, offering modules, video tutorials, and interactive content to enhance understanding.
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Audience: Parents of young children, early intervention providers, educators, and pediatricians.
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Advantages: Easy to navigate, with high-quality video resources that show real-life examples of children with ASD. It focuses on early detection and intervention, which is crucial for developmental progress.
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Disadvantages: Primarily focused on younger children, so it may not be as relevant for parents of older children or adults with ASD.
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Parenting a Child
with
Autism Spectrum Disorder by Albert Knapp
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Description: This book provides a step-by-step guide for parents of children with ASD, offering insights into understanding autism and practical advice for managing daily challenges. It covers topics like dealing with meltdowns, developing routines, and advocating for your child in school settings.
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Audience: Parents and caregivers of children with ASD.
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Advantages: Written by a licensed psychologist with years of experience working with children with autism, the book offers realistic, actionable strategies and emotional support for parents.
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Disadvantages: It focuses primarily on early to middle childhood and may not cover the unique challenges faced by parents of older children or adults with ASD.

A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies
and a Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism
by Ron Leaf and John McEachin
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Description: This book is a comprehensive manual designed for parents and therapists working with children on the autism spectrum. It focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and provides detailed strategies and lesson plans to improve social, communication, and academic skills.
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Audience: Parents, therapists, ABA practitioners, and educators working with children on the autism spectrum.
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Advantages: The book is practical and hands-on, offering detailed guidance on implementing ABA strategies in everyday situations. It also includes case studies to help clarify concepts.
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Disadvantages: The content is ABA-focused, which may not resonate with families or professionals looking for alternative approaches to intervention beyond behaviorism.