Plan A is for Autism: using the AFFECTs model to promote positive behaviour

This practical resource provides a systematic process for helping teachers and others to promote positive behaviour in children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

This text provides an original multi-element approach leading to planned individual interventions. Drawn from the author’s extensive knowledge of autism it enables those living and working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to jointly plan for change.

This resource will:

• provide an overview of the behaviours of children with autism
• explore the underlying reasons why children with autism act and react as they do
• consider quite carefully who is impacted by the behaviour of the child with autism with what outcomes for emotional well-being
• explore how to make a difference in the shorter term by using the Keep It Simple (KIP) model
• help you to implement a unique and individual intervention plan for the child with autism using the AFFECTS plan.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Let’s talk about behaviour
3. What’s autism got to do with it?
4. The AFFECTS process: from theory to application
5. Holding plans when time is short: Two-Time
6. Good practice in autism
7. Spotlighting emotional well-being
8. The AFFECTS process in action: worked examples
9. Practical ideas for sharing AFFECTS with other people

"This is a useful resource in that it provides a succinct yet wide range of guidance and management tools for working with people who have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). A book and a CD are provided, with the CD including many of the key resources and frameworks discussed in the book. It is evident that the author builds on many years of experience as an Educational Psychologist working with children and young people with autism and their families within a school setting. One of her core beliefs is highlighted early on: "if the child could act more appropriately they would. The child is not being deliberately difficult". This book would be a useful one for professionals working with children and young people to assist in understanding their behaviour and communication and working with others to develop comprehensive intervention plans whilst acknowledging the importance of on-going evaluation and review. Recommended for professionals working with children and young people who have ASD including SENCOs, trainee educational psychologists (TEPs), Educational Psychologists and others."
- Dr Laura Cockburn, Specialist Educational Psychologist, The National Autistic Society