Difference Not Disorder: Understanding Autism Theory in Practice - Softcover

Dr Catherine Harvey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1785924745 ISBN 13: 9781785924743

Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018

Synopsis

Interventions and educational approaches for children with autism spectrum disorders have developed in response to the different models for how autism has been constructed and understood. This book explores the evolving theories on autism and how these have impacted the interventions and outcomes in education. Drawing on thirty years of professional experience and detailed research, Harvey exposes the myths around autism, advocates for understanding autism as difference rather than impairment, and provides practical guidance on teaching and learning, behaviour management, addressing sensory and physical needs of children with ASD. This accessible overview shows how to put autism research into practice, learn from historic mistakes and create the most supportive environment for children on the autism spectrum.

About this title

Review

It is a rare and sensitive person who can share a lifetime of human experience illuminated by research and allow the reader access to new thinking. This book offers the complex world of autism serious reflections in unexpected and creative ways. Scholarship written with sensitivity. -- Professor Bart McGettrick, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Glasgow This book offers readers - whether they are teachers, psychologists, parents or academics - a remarkable level of heartfelt insight. It has the emotional literacy that is often absent from texts in this area ... with supporting wider evidence, born from a career well spent in the service of children and education. -- Dr Toby Brandon, Reader in Disability and Mental Health, Department of Social Work and Community Wellbeing, Northumbria University As the parent of a daughter who is on the autistic spectrum, I found the book informative and wished that I had read it when she was first diagnosed. -- Surrinder Sandham Bains, Health Professional/Parent Carer This book is an inspiration. It contains a vision of autism as different to a disorder or an impairment; a pedagogy designed around the strengths of minds with autism. -- Dr. Jack Whitehead, Visiting Professor of Education, University of Cumbria Catherine's writing ... gently draws you into scrutinising the assumptions, values and beliefs that underpin your own understandings for practice - she really makes you think - and that for me is the marker of a truly valuable book. -- Dr Tina Cook, Professorial Fellow, Department of Disability and Education, Liverpool Hope University The author provides a comprehensive and comprehensible overview of theory and practice to help teachers make better-informed choices between educational methods and approaches to meet the needs of their pupils with autism. I endorse her exhortation: 'May we all strive to put the humanity of others before their diagnosis. --Marie Huxtable, Visiting Research Fellow, University of Cumbria

From the Author

Catherine Harvey has over 30 years' experience teaching primary and secondary students, specialising in SEN and supporting children with autism. She holds degrees in Psychology and Education, and a professional doctorate from Liverpool Hope University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1785924745
• ISBN 13: 9781785924743
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240