Generalization Of Joint Attention

Generalization of social behaviors is a vital component of human behavior. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often show symptomology that includes impairment in social behavior and failure to generalize behavior on the whole. Initiation of joint attention is a social behavior that can be understood as a behavior cusp and worthy of intervention to promote development. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy has been studied in recent years for its efficacy in treating some dimensions of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children and adolescence. The current study sought to explore the efficacy of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in promoting the generalization of initiation of joint attention in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder across adult/child dyads. Data showed that PCIT was both effective in producing initiation of joint attention and in producing generalization of joint attention.

From a preeminent researcher, this book looks at the key role of joint attention in both typical and atypical development. Peter C. Mundy shows that no other symptom dimension is more strongly linked to early identification and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He synthesizes a wealth of knowledge on how joint attention develops, its neurocognitive underpinnings, and how it helps to explain the learning, language, and social-cognitive features of ASD across the lifespan. Clinical implications are explored, including reviews of cutting-edge diagnostic methods and targeted treatment approaches.

The authoritative guide to implementing the Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation (JASPER) intervention. With a strong evidence base, JASPER provides a clear, flexible structure to bolster early skills core to social communication development. The authors show how to assess 1- to 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), set treatment targets, choose engaging play materials, tailor JASPER strategies to each individual, and troubleshoot common challenges.

With its roots in clinical and educational psychology, school psychology is an ever-changing field that encompasses a diversity of topics. The Oxford Handbook of School Psychology synthesizes the most vital and relevant literature in all of these areas, producing a state-of-the-art, authoritative resource for practitioners, researchers, and parents. Comprising chapters authored by the leading figures in school psychology, The Oxford Handbook of School Psychology focuses on the significant issues, new developments, and scientific findings that continue to change the practical landscape. The handbook's focuses include: - allegiance to the reciprocal relationship between science and practice to promote problem-solving and enrichment models - service delivery designed to improve competencies of all students - the relationship between general cognitive ability and important life outcomes - the development of viable and enduring educational, family, and community systems to support students - increasing student diversity and the necessity of increased sensitivity to the influences of social, cultural, political, and legislative variables of schooling - outlining tenable reasons why, since the end of World War II, children from kindergarten through the secondary grades have generally not been the recipients of a superior or efficient educational system - all relevant legislation, including the No Child Left Behind Act, and the ongoing question of who or what is responsible for the inadequate academic preparation of inner-city children - building a cumulative knowledge base to better facilitate students' academic, social, and personal competencies including the promotion of positive mental health and subjective well-being The scholarship compiled here is a must-read for practitioners, students, and faculty, and an ideal resource for parents seeking a scientific approach to the efficacy of school psychology practices. In both breadth and depth, this handbook promises to serve as the benchmark reference work for years to come.

The North Carolina State Legislature's mandate to Division TEACCH has three major components. First, to provide the most up-to-date and cost effective services possible for families with autistic or similar language impaired children; second, to conduct research aimed toward the better under standing of such devastating disorders; and third, to provide training for the professionals needed to pursue these goals. One element in achieving these aims is to hold annual conferences on topics of special importance to the under standing and treatment of autism and similar disorders. In addition to training professionals and parents on the most recent de velopments in each conference topic, we are publishing a series, Current Issues in Autism, based on these conferences. These books are not, however, simply the published proceedings of the conference papers. Instead, some chapters are expanded conference presentations, whereas others come from national and in ternational experts whose work is beyond the scope of the conference, but es sential in our attempt at comprehensive coverage of the conference theme. These volumes are intended to provide the most current knowledge and profes sional practice available to us at the time.

Scripting is a teaching method designed to help children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), who are nonverbal or who are verbal but dont initiate conversation, to initiate conversation. The authors draw on years of experience using scripts in their own clinic, and include many case studies that show how scripts have worked. The book defines scripts as an audiotape or written word, phrase, or sentence that enables young people with autism to use speech to start and continue conversations. At first a child is taught to play the recording of a word for an adult, and then get a reaction from the adult. (e.g., if he plays the script juice, the adult will give him a sip of juice or if he plays the script ball, the adult will play ball with him). Later on, the child is taught to play the script and then say the word himself (and get the reward from the adult). As the child becomes better at talking, scripts are lengthened to become phrases --want juice or play ball --- and then sentences. And once the child can read, scripts are written instead of recorded. As the child masters sets of scripts, the adult begins to diminish (fade) the prompts. If the script was recorded, words are gradually deleted from the recording. (e.g., if the script started out saying, Where is mom? they will re-record it so it just says Where is and then Where ---? At this point, the child should fill in the blanks.

The puzzle that motivates Agency and Joint Attention is how people are able at one and the same time to maintain their own sense of autonomy, taking responsibility for their own actions and distinguishing them from the actions of others, while still being able to understand, appreciate, and coordinate their thoughts and actions with other people.