Books

Autism: What Does It Mean to Me? is an indispensable and transformative tool and lifelong companion for autistic people, their parents and families, and professionals. Written by internationally renowned autism trainer, teacher, and advocate and best-selling author Catherine Faherty, the workbook is engaged by the autistic child or adult to enhance self-understanding and awareness and foster communication with others about needs, preferences, and identity. Most every facet of a person's life is explored -- areas particular to autism and areas every person engages -- among them: ways of thinking, including focused interests, perfection versus doing your best, and the support of schedules; sensory experience, including stimming; creative expression; learning about and interacting with people; writing Social Stories; understanding speech and expressions in others; types of communication, including verbal or nonverbal, self-advocacy, and miscommunication; supportive structures for school and approaching IEPs; friendship, play, and online acquaintances and safety; and emotions, including feeling anxious or upset, depression, and outbursts. The book concludes with an extended section on happiness, including relaxation, exercise, gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, positive attitude, and making the world a better place.Extensive materials designed especially for older readers, as well as for parents, therapists, and teachers, are included. Understanding what's actually true and supporting acceptance and appreciation form the cornerstones of Catherine's approach and the workbook. This new book is completely updated and revised from the original edition with the "Asperger's" title. It adds more than 150 pages of brand new material and worksheets.

The Autism Nest Model is a successful and much-praised program adopted by the New York City public school system as well as the top-ranked Danish school system. It has engaged and educated autistic children and their neurotypical peers for more than 20 years. The book's change in title from The ASD Nest Model to The Autism Nest Model is indicative of the evolution not only of language but also the understanding and practice that the new edition reflects. Although the Nest Model is designed for use in grades K-12, this book focuses on the elementary version, which serves students in K-5th grade. The Nest Model helps schools create settings in which all children engage comfortably and successfully. Its comprehensive approach is lauded by families, students, teachers, therapists and school leaders alike. By laying out the process of developing the model, its philosophy, strategies, and practical examples, The Autism Nest Model is now available to a wide audience.