Inclusive Programming for Middle School Students with Autism/Asperger's Syndrome

The winner of the ASA Book of the Year Award in 2001, Sheila Wagner''s first book, Inclusive Programming for Elementary Students with Autism, was lauded by both the educational and autism communities. Now Ms. Wagner has turned her impressive talents and vast experience to inclusive programming in the challenging and sometimes difficult environment of middle schools.Teachers, parents and students alike will benefit from Ms. Wagner''s insight and presentation as she outlines both theories and applications of inclusive programming for middle school students. Her engaging and readable style coupled with her extensive knowledge and classroom practice make this book indispensable for professionals and non-professionals alike.

Middle school presents unique challenges to those with autism/Asperger's, but it can also be exciting and rewarding. Inclusive Programming addresses transitioning to and from middle school, and everything in between: hormones, cliques, bullying, aggression, and "fitting in." The ingredients for success are pre-planning, frequent monitoring of progress, teacher training, and regular communication between all concerned. Add committed teachers, peer mentors/tutors, sensible allowances for individual students' needs (extra test time, visual/oral format, less or different homework, etc.) as called for, and you have a recipe for success. Helpful chapters include: Autism in a NutshellInclusion DiscussionProfiles and Characteristics of Middle School StudentsFormation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP)Behavior Programming in Middle SchoolAcademic Issues of Middle School StudentsSocial ProgrammingCollaborative Roles