Preschool Education Programs for Children with Autism

Book excerpt: Since the first two additions of Preschool Education Programs (1994, 2001), more exciting advances, particularly the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), have arisen to benefit the special education of youngsters in school. Contributing to this 12-chapter edition are 11 scholar programs (Alpine Learning Center; ASCENT; Autism Center at the University of Washington; CABAS Program; Children's Unit at SUNY Binghamton; Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center; Groden Center; LEAP Program; Summit Academy Sussex Consortium; and Valley Program), answering a common set of questions concerning the treatment of very young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, using a range of ABA technology. This book addresses educational settings including public, private and university-based programs in America. It is an especially valuable resource for parents, professionals and administrators who are in the process of developing programs for the preschool student. Topics discussed include: * Addressing problem behaviors, social skills, and play * Teaching speech and language through verbal behavior framework, visual supports, sign language, and other augmentative/naturalistic methods * Measuring outcomes of students * Conducting transition to school age programs * Determining a child's eligibility for admission and the diagnostic materials used