People with severe autism experience the sensory information they receive from the world completely differently to those not on the spectrum. They feel cut off, overwhelmed and and retreat into a world of their own. Their behaviour can become very distressed. This handbook shows how we can engage with people who are non-verbal or semi-verbal and sometimes even those who have speech but lose the power to process this when they are in crisis. We can help them to make sense of the world. With illustrations, case examples and a wide range of tried-and-tested techniques, this is a practical nuts-and-bolts guide to using Intensive Interaction using a persons own body language to make contact with them and Sensory Integration taking steps to reduce environmental factors that cause the person with autism distress. It provides indispensable tools for parents, carers and other professionals supporting people with severe autism and other learning disabilities.

Table of Contents

Contents: About the Authors. 1. Introduction. 2. A Different Sensory Experience 3. Alternative Viewpoints. 4. Sensory Distress and its Causes. 5. Sensory Distortions - Hypersensitivities. 6. Emotional Overload Embarrassment. 7. Confusing Messages 8. Case Study: A Day in the Life of Mike. 9. Intensive Interaction. 10. So what about Distressed Behaviour? Conclusion. Bibliography and Useful Resources. Index.

Author Biography

Phoebe Caldwell has worked for over 30 years as a practitioner with people whose severe learning disabilities are linked with behavioural distress. She was a Rowntree Research Fellow for four years, trains practitioners, parents and carers in her successful approach to Intensive Interaction and is employed by the NHS Social Services and Community and Education Services to work with difficult-to-provide-for individuals. She is the author of six books, including Finding You Finding Me and From Isolation to Intimacy, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.