Visual Strategies for Improving Communication

Visual Strategies For Improving Communication
Practical Supports for Autism Spectrum Disorders
By Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP
Revised & Updated

BUY NOW! – $39.95

This Revised & Updated edition of this bestseller is the most comprehensive book to explain the use of visual strategies to improve communication for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and others who experience moderate to severe communication challenges. It is full of easy to use techniques and strategies that will help these students participate more effectively in social interactions and life routines.

This update includes additions in four major areas that have evolved since the original version was published. First, we have even more research that confirms the specific learning challenges common to students with ASD and how visual supports provide benefit for those students.

Second, we continue to discover even more ways to use visual tools and supports to help students become successful. This volume will help the reader discover even more possibilities for implementing visual strategies.

In this edition you’ll find some updated resources including technology, video and picture options. Since the original edition, the use of visual supports has been met with questions, myths and the sharing of personal experiences. Many of these have been added to this edition to demonstrate how the use of visual tools and supports has matured over time to reach the status of “best practices”, while maintaining the basic principles laid out in the original book.

What is it?

A groundbreaking resource
Contains dozens of samples of visual supports that are beautifully illustrated and described
An exceptional collection of practical ideas and techniques
Filled with creative strategies for improving the behavior and communication of students with autism, ADHD, cognitive impairments, language and learning disabilities and more.
A “how to” book designed to assist teachers, SLP’s, parents, and others in devising solutions to the communication and self-management challenges that are common in these students

Who is this book for?

Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, parents and other people who work and live with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders or related communication challenges. The strategies in this book have application for students with a variety of disability labels and special needs.

How will I benefit from the book?

Learn more about the learning and functioning style of these students
Understand how communication break-downs affect student understanding, performance and behavior
View lots of samples and examples of visual tools that have been used to improve student communication
Learn step-by-step how to develop and use visual tools to meet the individual needs of your students

. . . plus lots of ideas for improving communication in home, school, and community environments

Publisher Comments:

This book is “easy-reading”. It is laid out with a question-answer format that is not full of the heavy technical jargon that is common in so many books on special needs. It has rapidly become a bestseller because it has met the needs of thousands of therapists, classroom teachers, parents and others who work or live with students with autism, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome and related communication disorders. Visual Strategies for Improving Communication is the most comprehensive book available on the topic of using visual supports to improve communication for these student populations.

Reviews:

“. . an excellent resource. . .it has been exactly what we needed . . . the specific examples assisted us to develop some very creative systems that have been highly effective for many of our students. The information and specifics can be used by a beginner or a more experienced service provider. . . .This is a resource that should be on every Speech-Language Pathologist’s shelf.” (ASHA Leader)

“. . .Students with autism or similar problems . . . .may learn differently from other people, and a much overlooked means of communicating to these students is through a highly visual system. . .Visual Strategies for Improving Communication takes over where other education books leave off, by explaining in detail the importance of visual communication for people with learning, sensory, and processing difficulties. . . .This is a book that was needed yesterday, and is a must have for anyone who works with people who have learning and developmental disabilities. . . . .” (Horizons).

“Visual Strategies for Improving Communication is an essential resource. It is unique in its clarity, practicality and creativity. As a researcher and clinician who has focused on understanding the unique learning and communication styles of students with autism, I enthusiastically recommend this book to professionals and parents at every opportunity. Through this volume, Linda Hodgdon has made a significant difference for children and their families.”
Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Director, Childhood Communication Services, Brown University

“Firmly grounded in theory and research, Hodgdon’s book is unique in the sheer volume of intervention strategies, examples and illustrations it contains. It is well organized, easy to follow, and reader friendly. . . This book is a ‘must have’. . .”
Kathleen S. Pistono, Ph.D., Speech & Language Consultant

“What I love about Linda’s work is its durability over time. She has the ability to clarify and support communication with individuals with ASD, while at the same time making information clear and meaningful for those implementing her strategies. I envy her friendly and easy-to-read writing style, and admire her continuing contribution to the lives of individuals with ASD and those who work on their behalf. I refer to Linda’s books frequently for new ideas, insights, and inspiration. . .and this one-like the others before it-is a welcome addition to my library!
Carol Gray, Director, Gray Center for Social Learning & Understanding, Creator of Social Stories™, Author: The New Social Story™ Book

“Comprehensive in scope, exceptional in quality-Visual Strategies for Improving Communication is a “must have” resource for professionals and parents alike.”
Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Executive Director, Autism & Developmental Disabilities Consultation Center

About the Author:

Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist who is internationally known as a pioneer in developing the use of visual strategies to support communication for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Linda is a powerful and entertaining presenter who speaks internationally on topics related to helping individuals with ASD improve communication.

Visual Strategies For Improving Communication
Revised & Updated
BUY NOW! – $39.95