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Brenda Smith Myles, Melissa L Trautman, Ronda Schelvan
The world around us is a complicated place filled with expectations, rules, assumptions, guidelines, regulations, and policies. This "hidden curriculum" exists across environments, places, people, and cultures. Although rules and mandates can be complex, most of us take comfort in them; often unconsciously; because they help us to know what to do in everyday situations. We like rules if they are consistent. It is when they are unclear, or are unstated that we can become upset, indignant, or confused. Some people learn the hidden curriculum and its impact automatically. Others learn the hidden curriculum only by direct instruction. That is the purpose of this book.
In this third edition, the essential features of the original book have been maintained and information on evidence-based practices has been added. In addition, it provides a series of instructional strategies that can be used to teach the hidden curriculum. Instructional aids include charts, forms, and templates designed to make the job of teaching and learning the hidden curriculum more effective.
Finally, The Hidden Curriculum offers extensive lists of hidden curriculum items or unstated guidelines. Due to the elusive nature of the hidden curriculum, the lists; while broad; offer examples rather than a definite set of lessons to be learned. Parents, educators, support persons, and others are encouraged to consider the lists as springboards to make their own lists geared specifically toward the unique needs of the individuals with whom they work or live.
Introduction
Chapter One: Overview of the Hidden Curriculum
Chapter Two: The Hidden Curriculum Across Environments
Chapter Three: Teaching the Hidden Curriculum
Chapter Four: Hidden Curriculum Items
"Any book that has Brenda Myles as a contributing author is guaranteed to be a top 'go to' resource for supporting
those with ASD. And this revised edition of The Hidden Curriculum is indeed just that kind of resource. The
authors explain what the hidden curriculum is, provide a model for uncovering these subtle social rules, and
perhaps most importantly, give us a very practical social map for lots of everyday situations. They even give us
an extensive list of the underlying meanings behind many common idioms. Anyone supporting individuals with
ASD should have this important guide on their shelf!"
- Jed Baker, PhD, Director of the Social Skills Training Project, Author of the award-winning Social Skills Training, 20th Anniversary Edition: For Children and Adolescents with Autism and Social Communication Differences
"This latest edition of The Hidden Curriculum is a great resource for those in the neuromajority to surface the many unspoken--and frankly often baffling and arbitrary!--social expectations that most people assume are known by all. The book can serve as a powerful tool to help educators and family members become a trusted support person to those for whom these expectations are not 'just picked up.' Equipped with this insight, these hidden rules can be unpacked and investigated, to inform and empower individuals to better understand themselves, the people around them, and to self-advocate for their needs."
- Aaron Lanou, MSEd, Inclusive Education Consultant, Member of Carol Gray's Team (Social Stories), and Former Executive Director, ASD Nest at New York University
"A triumph of a text for all who work and care for autistic people, this is an updated compendium of resources that provides essential ideas and guidance around the challenges that people with social cognitive difficulties both experience and present to others."
- Dr. Alastair Barnett, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Conatus Psychology, UK
