Erica Grindinger
Special Education Intensive Resource
UNIQUE LEARNERS
Special Education Professional Portfolio
- RESOURCES -
Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism
By: Dr. Barry M. Prizant
-
Description: Dr. Barry Prizant’s book shifts the focus from “fixing” autism to understanding behaviors as communication. It emphasizes strengths, reduces stress, and fosters supportive environments, using real-life stories to make concepts relatable and practical.
​
-
Audience: This book is ideal for parents, teachers, caregivers, therapists, and anyone working closely with autistic individuals.
​
-
Advantages: The book provides a compassionate, strength-based perspective on autism, offering practical strategies and relatable anecdotes that are accessible to a broad audience, making it an excellent resource for fostering understanding and creating supportive environments.
​
-
Disadvantages: The book focuses primarily on individuals with subtle support needs and lacks the academic depth of a comprehensive evidence-based resource, which may limit its applicability for some readers.
The Out-of-Sync Child
By: Carol Stock Kranowitz
-
Description: This book explains sensory processing challenges and provides practical solutions to help children with sensory differences navigate daily life. It offers strategies and activities to address sensory integration issues.
​
-
Audience: Parents, educators, and caregivers of children with sensory processing challenges, including those on the autism spectrum.
​
-
Advantages: The book provides clear, practical strategies for addressing sensory challenges, helping children feel more comfortable and successful in their environments. Its accessible language and relatable examples make it easy to apply the concepts in real-life situations.
​
-
Disadvantages: While highly informative, it focuses broadly on sensory integration and does not specifically address the unique needs of autistic children. Some readers may find the general approach less helpful for addressing complex co-occurring conditions..
National Autism Center at
May Institute
By: (Asperger/Autism Network)
-
Description: The National Autism Center provides comprehensive guidelines for evidence-based practices (EBPs) designed to support individuals with autism. These guidelines are based on extensive scientific research and cover a range of practices that improve communication, behavior, and social skills. The website also offers free downloadable guidebooks for parents and educators, which provide practical, accessible advice on implementing these evidence-based practices in daily life and educational settings.
​
-
Audience: Educators, therapists, parents, and researchers seeking reliable, research-backed strategies for supporting individuals with autism.
​
-
Advantages: The guidelines are grounded in rigorous research, offering clear, effective recommendations for autism interventions. They are comprehensive, covering a wide range of age groups and support needs.
​
-
Disadvantages: The content is research-heavy and may be more suitable for professionals than casual readers. It can be dense and may require additional training to fully implement the practices in real-world settings.
15 Behavior Strategies for Children on the Autism Spectrum
-
Description: This article from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) provides 15 strategies to manage and promote positive behavior in children with autism. The strategies focus on understanding common behavioral characteristics of autism and adjusting adult responses and environments to foster better outcomes. These tips are designed for both home and school settings.
​
-
Audience: Parents, caregivers, and educators seeking practical strategies for managing challenging behaviors in children with autism.
​
-
Advantages: The strategies are easy to implement and focus on adjusting adult behavior to support the child, which can be particularly effective. It emphasizes practical, everyday techniques like using visual timers and providing clear transitions.
​
-
Disadvantages: The article assumes a basic understanding of autism and may require more specialized guidance for individuals with higher needs. Some strategies may not work for every child, and finding the right approach could require trial and error..
Sensory Differences: A Guide for All Audiences
-
Description: This guide from the National Autistic Society provides an overview of sensory differences experienced by individuals with autism, highlighting the challenges of hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to various sensory stimuli, such as sights, sounds, smells, and touch. It emphasizes how sensory issues can impact behavior and wellbeing, and provides practical tips for managing sensory overload, including adjusting environments and being mindful of potential triggers. The guide also explores strategies for supporting individuals with sensory needs through small environmental changes and creative solutions.
​
-
Audience: Parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly those focusing on sensory processing challenges.
​
-
Advantages: The guide is comprehensive and easy to understand, offering clear explanations and practical strategies. It is designed for a broad audience and provides actionable advice for supporting individuals with sensory differences.
​
-
Disadvantages: Some suggestions may be general and may require adaptation depending on the specific needs of the individual. The guide's broad approach may not fully address more complex cases of sensory processing issues.
Understood.org: Sensory Processing Issues and Autism
-
Description: Understood.org offers a comprehensive guide to sensory processing issues in children with autism, providing strategies for educators to support students who experience sensory sensitivities. The site includes detailed explanations of sensory processing difficulties and their impact on behavior and learning, along with practical tips on classroom accommodations, sensory breaks, and modifying environments to reduce sensory overload.
​
-
Audience: Educators, special education teachers, and school staff working with children on the autism spectrum who experience sensory processing challenges.
​
-
Advantages: The guide offers a user-friendly, accessible approach, with clear strategies for classroom implementation. It also includes videos and real-life examples, which help educators visualize how to support sensory needs.
​
-
Disadvantages: While the site offers valuable tips, it may not go into great depth on more advanced sensory processing interventions. Some strategies may need to be adapted for students with severe sensory issues.