Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the Classroom

The acclaimed approach to helping children with autism, profiled in the award-winning documentary "Autism: The Musical"

This groundbreaking book outlines seven integrated keys for educators and parents to make meaningful connections with children on the autism spectrum. The book is based on the unique approach used by Elaine Hall and Diane Isaacs of The Miracle Project, a musical theatre program for children with autism and their peers and siblings. The Miracle Project integrates traditional and creative therapies in an interactive, social dynamic. The book shows how to apply these effective strategies at school and at home to nurture kids' self-expression and social skills. Elaine Hall and The Miracle Project were profiled in the two-time Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary, "Autism: The Musical". Seven Keys" reveals the seven-step program that has proven so successful for children in the Miracle Project.

After reading "Seven Keys" teachers and parents will better understand this puzzling disorder and be able to help children with autism draw connections and form more meaningful relationships

"Seven Keys to Unlock Autism" offers readers strategies for creating a personal skill set to make their encounters with autistic children as successful and rewarding as possible.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

About the Authors xi

About The Miracle Project xiii

Foreword by Stephen M. Shore xv

Introduction: It Starts with You xvii

• The Seven Keys xviii
• How to Use This Book xix
• The Keys xx
• Elaine’s Story xxiii

Part One: Autism 101 1

• Primer: Autism Through a Different Lens 3
• A Brief History 7
• Inspirational Stories 11
• Autism’s Alphabet Soup 13

Part Two: The Seven Keys 19

• Key One Set an Intention 21
• Key Two Develop Acceptance and Appreciation 37
• Diane’s Story of Acceptance 51
• Key Three Understand Sensory Profile 59
• Key Four Follow the Leader 73
• Key Five Include the Child 87
• Key Six Practice and Preparation Make Progress 105
• Key Seven Live Miracle Minded 121
• Conclusion: Opening Doors 131

Part Three: Appendixes 135

Appendix A: The Resource Room: Tools for Using the Seven Keys 137

• Primer: Leading Schools of Thought 138
• Autism Organizations 139
• Films 141
• IDEA and IEP 142
• Key One Resources 142
• Key Two Resources 143
• Key Three Resources 144
• Key Four Resources 144
• Key Five Resources 145
• Key Six Resources 145
• Key Seven Resources 146

Appendix B: Additional Corners of the Resource Room 149

• Environmental Factors 149
• Classroom Set-Up 151
• Proactive Tools 153
• Accommodations 157
• Creating Consistency Across All Environments 160
• Creating a User-Friendly System 161
• Seven Keys to a Smooth IEP 164
• The Greatest Untapped Resource: The Parent 167

Index 175