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by Cheryl S. Merritt (Author)
Autism has always been defined by psychiatrists, but it is a neurological condition. Temple Grandin wrote in 2014 that it was time to enter a new era in autism, where brain science can match the behaviors in autism with differences in brain structure and function. This book does just that. Brain science enables us to understand how the function of the brain results in children with autism thinking and learning differently, and explains why some children are higher functioning than others, thus addressing the needs of those across the spectrum. The psychiatric definition of autism describes deficits with language and social interaction and repetitive behaviors, but this does not describe the needs of those with autism. Typical children learn through observation and imitation and it is difficult to understand a child who learns differently. Brain science connects the lack of observation and imitation (sensory processing difficulties) in those with autism with a lack of long-distance wiring in the brain. Many symptoms, such as difficulties with memory and learning, lack of generalization, lack of exploratory play and pretend play, can be explained by the structural and functional differences in the brain. Brain science enables us to understand how the individual learns best and how to accommodate the weaknesses. Children with autism are different because they have different sensory strengths: some can learn through language, but most need to be taught through touch, music, visuals, and more. I provide specific real-life examples of behaviors from individuals across the spectrum that demonstrate brain strengths for teaching, as well as brain differences that require accommodations. I provide real-life examples of practical, immediately effective teaching/parenting strategies for teaching a child with autism in the home and community with solutions for the type of challenges you may encounter. The strategies are not complex and are not infused with psychobabble, so they should help parents and educators quickly and easily support the child to learn important life skills. Anyone with a connection to autism needs this essential guide to create a meaningful, productive life for a child with autism. Greater understanding of how behaviors reflect brain strengths and weaknesses and practical advice for teaching and parenting strategies will give you hope and positive expectations for the future. You don't have to study the anatomy of the brain, because you will learn through easy to understand stories of patients who exhibit symptoms associated with specific brain differences.
