Communication Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome (eBook)

Olga Bogdashina, MSc (Education), MA (Autism), PhD (Linguistics) has worked extensively in the field of autism as teacher, lecturer and researcher, with a particular interest in sensory-perceptual and communication problems in autism. Since 1994, she has been the director of the first Day Centre for autistic children in Ukraine and the President of the Autism Society, Ukraine. Olga teaches and lectures around the world. She is currently a Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham University and Consultant Psychologist for Services for Adults with Autism, Doncaster, UK. She has a teenage autistic son.

Introduction. Part 1: Definitions, theories and hypotheses. 1. Communication. Language. Speech. 2. Language acquisition: The theories. 3. From sensations to concepts: Via different routes. 4. Cognitive styles and functions in autism. 5. Autistic culture? 6. What language are they speaking? Part 2: Language characteristics, learning styles and development in autism. 7. Language learning styles. 8. Speech and language development in non-autistic and autistic children. 9. Impairments of social communication and language peculiarities specific to autism. 10. Fluent speakers. So what's the problem? Part 3: Key strategies to enhance communication in autism. 11. Communication/language assessment strategies. Communication profile. 12. Communication environment and interaction styles. 13. Selecting communication systems. 14. Teaching communication. Conclusion. Glossary. References. Subject index. Author index.