Francis Tabone - The ASD Independence Workbook: Transition Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism

The ASD Independence Workbook is an excellent resource for educators and young adults alike. This carefully sequenced text outlines key topics related to independent living, social communication, and community integration. Complete with activities, checklists, and discussion points, this book is a wonderful addition to any special educators toolkit or to individuals who may be interested in developing their own skill set!

Mary Clancy, MSEd , division head at Cooke School and Institute, a school that serves students with moderate to severe disabilities in New York City, NY

Tabone expertly translates research into easily understandable, structured, real-life practices for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ASD Independence Workbook provides students with strategies, explicit directions, checklists, and reflective teachings to support a successful transition to independence and full life after high school. This is certainly a workbook that will be in my toolbox!

Stewart Miller , head of school, Riverview School

Our school, The Gateway School of Mumbai, is in its first year of running its high school adaptive program and we have been working hard to figure out the best way to prepare our students for this transition to life, as young adults beyond school. There is a lot of material on independent skills and transition programs out there, but the two things that made Franciss book invaluable to us were a) the organization of ideas into four essential themes, each with a concise but purposeful list of goals and activities, and b) the structured and explicit breakdown of the activities provided us novice teachers with the much-needed scaffolding that we were looking for as we implemented the program for the first time. Thank you, Francis, for compiling the knowledge accumulated through years of experience and study in this area, it has been an immense support to us!

Radhika Zahedi, MA , co-principal, The Gateway School of Mumbai

This clear, complete, and practical skill-building guide will take young people all the way down the road to a successful transition to adult life. And its a resource for family members, school staff, clinicians, and anyone who wants to help young people lead productive and satisfying lives. Dont think about transition without it.

Fredda Rosen , executive director of Job Path, a New York City, NY-based not-for-profit that helps people with autism and other developmental disabilities find jobs, live in their own homes, and become part of community life

The ASD Independence Workbook confronts the issues faced by young adults as they strive to be independent and assume their position in the community. Within each of the four content areas, the many tested and practical activities are presented in a rhythmic style that makes them easy to follow and understand. The book stands out because Tabone respects the competence of his readers and their desire to be a part of the majority culture without changing who they are. It will be a valuable resource in their quest to achieve a balanced and fulfilled life.

Carole R. Gothelf, EdD , director of individualized supports for AHRC New York City

Working in special education for the last twenty years has made me realize how important these adaptive skills are to the independence and happiness of young people with ASD. This book is a much-needed resource for teachers and families, and can have a profound impact on the lives of young people with ASD if truly incorporated into their educational and transitional plans.

Mark Lauterbach, PhD , assistant professor for early childhood/art education; program head for special education at Brooklyn College

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2018 by Francis Tabone

Instant Help Books

An imprint of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup

Acquired by Jess OBrien

Edited by Karen Schader

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data on file

Contents

Contents

foreword

introduction

Part 1: Communication Skills

1. identifying the topic

2. knowing the difference between on-topic and off-topic

3. appropriate conversation starters

4. asking for help

5. requesting items

6. asking clarifying questions

7. idiomatic speech

8. entering and exiting a conversation

9. body language

10. posture for effective communication

Part 2: Health, Hygiene, and Safety

11. creating a hygiene kit

12. morning routine and mirror check

13. wardrobe maintenance

14. healthy eating habits

15. navigating the community

16. home safety checklist

17. in case of emergency

18. public vs. private information

19. record keeping

20. who can help?

Part 3: Leisure Time

21. interest inventory

22. the differences between work and hobbies

23. finding resources to support your hobbies

24. sharing your interests

25. group activities

26. balancing your time

27. using schedules

28. budgeting for leisure

29. online safety during leisure activities

30. planning a leisure activity

Part 4: Community Use

31. knowing your community

32. supportive, social, and other essential resources in your community

33. identifying services in the community

34. dont let others take advantage of you

35. running errands

36. interacting with community workers

37. what to take with you

38. what to think about before your outing

39. planning an outing

40. problem solving when things go wrong

foreword

Independence . What a beautiful word. For the parents of ASD kids, its the word we dream aboutbut also the one that keeps us up at night. How, we wonder, can we have such wonderful, talented kids, sometimes with extraordinary skills, who often find the simplest tasks so daunting?

Well, Francis Tabone has written this book for my kid, and for yours, and for you. Entertaining and thoughtful, The ASD Independence Workbook is exactly what it says it is: a step-by-step instruction manual that breaks down everyday tasks and situationsthe ones ASD kids find so challenginginto skills that can be practiced and mastered.

Whether the issue is hygiene, proper ways to start a conversation, or safety on the Internet, Dr. Tabone Explains It All For You. It wont be easylets face it, practicing life skills with your child can make you want to throw the book against the wall. Because what takes a neurotypical kid three repetitions to master may take an ASD kid a hundred repetitions. Or a thousand. But master it they do.

At Cooke Academy, where Dr. Tabone is the principal and my son is a student, this workbook is an essential part of the curriculum. My sons latest favorite expression is Ohh, now I get it. This doesnt necessarily mean he will now do whatever Im asking, or change his behavior right away. But it means that the tiny cartoon lightbulb over his head is actually switched on. He gets it. Now: practice, practice practice.