An early start for your child with autism : using everyday activities to help kids connect, communicate, and learn / Sally J. Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie A. Vismara.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-326) and index.

pt. 1. Getting started -- Setting up your child's early intervention program -- Taking care of yourself and your family -- How your early efforts can help your child engage with others and boost your child's learning -- part 2. Everyday strategies to help your child engage, communicate, and learn -- Step into the spotlight: capturing your child's attention -- Find the smile!: having fun with sensory social routines -- It takes two to tango: building back-and-forth interactions -- Talking bodies: the importance of nonverbal communication -- "Do what I do!": helping your child learn by imitating -- Let's get technical: how children learn -- The joint attention triangle: sharing interests with others -- It's playtime! -- Let's pretend! -- Moving into speech -- Putting it all together.

Cutting-edge research reveals that parents can play a huge role in helping toddlers and preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) connect with others and live up to their potential. This encouraging guide from the developers of a groundbreaking early intervention program provides doable, practical strategies you can use every day. Nearly all young kids--including those with ASD--have an amazing capacity to learn. Drs. Sally Rogers, Geraldine Dawson, and Laurie Vismara make it surprisingly simple to turn daily routines like breakfast or bath time into fun and rewarding learning experiences that target crucial developmental skills. Vivid examples illustrate proven techniques for promoting play, language, and engagement. Get an early start and give your child the tools to explore and enjoy the world.