Product Description

Teaching Conversation to Children with Autism describes scripts that parents and teachers can use to help children learn to initiate conversation, thereby improving communication. Drs. McClannahan and Krantz—-authors of Activity Schedules for Children with Autism—-have successfully used scripts and script-fading techniques based on their clinical observations and research, and founded on applied behavior analysis principles.

The authors begin by thoroughly explaining the script and script-fading processes and include many examples to support the instructions. A script is an audiotaped or written word, phrase, or sentence that often reflects the child’s preferences and interests. For very young children and nonreaders, scripts are paired with pictures of desired objects or activities.

The process starts when a child engages in conversation with an interaction partner by reading a script or playing it on an audio card reader to start the conversation (e.g., "I like yogurt"). The partner supports the conversation with a response (e.g., "Yogurt is good," or "You had yogurt for lunch"). After the child masters a few scripts, the script-fading process begins. The last word of the script is removed, then the next to last, and so on, until the script is absent. After scripts have been introduced and faded, many children learn to spontaneously initiate and pursue social interaction.

Teaching Conversation to Children with Autism also covers:

• Prompts and rewards
• Observing, evaluating, and measuring results
• Activity schedules, card readers, and voice recorders
• Conversation activities
• Scripts for readers and nonreaders

Teaching Conversation to Children with Autism demonstrates that scripts are a valuable tool to improve interaction for children and even adolescents and adults. Use scripts at home, in school, in the workplace, and in the community.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #59246 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-30
• Released on: 2005-11-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781890627324
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
"[C]lear...instructions that parents and professionals can use to teach complex conversation skills to learners with autism of all ages." -- Gina Green, Ph.D., BCBA, San Diego State University and University of North Texas

About the Author
Drs. McClannahan and Krantz are Executive Directors of the Princeton Child Development Institute, a community-based, nonprofit program that offers science-based services to children, youths, and adults with autism. They are the authors of Activity Schedules for Children with Autism (Woodbine House, 1999), many journal articles, and book chapters. Their applied behavior analysis research on autism intervention is recognized both nationally and internationally.

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Customer Reviews

good information, just not what I expected
This book offered a lot of information about teaching beginning conversation skills to individuals with autism. The authors cited a few research articles that they wrote themselves related to scripts and script fading. This book was not exactly what I was hoping for, however. The methods described appeared to be better suited for use with individuals that have very little verbalization. I was looking for methods that taught higher functioning, verbal individuals the skills to have a conversation. I would recommend this book for those who are working with individuals that are lower functioning and that have very little conversation skills.

A must for professionals and parents
This well-written book provides clear theory and method for teaching ASD children conversation using scripts and script fading. Includes many ideas for activities as well as recording-keeping forms.