With a unique focus on Canada-wide practices and research, this text offers a comprehensive introduction to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Covering the clinical, educational, and community perspectives of ASD, the authors highlight how educators, direct support professionals, and communities at large can support people with ASD across their lifespan: from early years, to school years, to adulthood. Additionally, the authors emphasize the emerging nature of the field and the importance of evidence based interventions. The resource is divided into four thematic sections. Section one gives an overview of ASD, including prominent researchers in the field and changes in its diagnostic criteria. Section two looks at evidence-based interventions and the newer sensory theories and frameworks. The third section examines ASD across the lifespan, as well as the experiences of parents and families. The final section looks at additional critical issues, including media, sexuality, peer relationships, and immigration. Beyond being a vital asset for ASD programs and resource centres across the country, Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Canadian Context has broad applications suitable for courses on ASD in behavioural science, education, and health studies programs. FEATURES: - Each chapter features figures, definitions, examples, and questions designed to deepen understanding and elicit reflection - Includes feature boxes with interesting perspectives provided by varied members of Canada’s ASD community - Unlike other textbooks on ASD, this text focuses on ASD across the lifespan, covering infancy, early childhood and school years, as well as adulthood, in the Canadian context

Addressing the Gaps" delves into the often-overlooked struggles of autistic children and their families in Canada, revealing how systemic inadequacies in healthcare, education, and social services lead to profound and lasting impacts. Despite a myriad of policies and programs, many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are left to navigate a fragmented system that too often falls short. This eBook uncovers the lengthy delays in diagnosis, the patchwork of services that vary drastically from one province to another, and the significant financial burdens placed on families seeking essential therapies and interventions. It highlights the inconsistencies in educational support, where inclusive education policies are poorly implemented and resources for specialized programs are scarce. Through powerful case studies and personal narratives, "Addressing the Gaps" paints a vivid picture of the daily battles faced by autistic children and their families, from social isolation and bullying to the overwhelming stress on parents and caregivers. These stories are complemented by a critical analysis of current government initiatives and the persistent gaps that need urgent attention. Yet, amidst these challenges, the book also shares inspiring success stories of advocacy, innovation, and resilience. It offers a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders, providing a roadmap for creating a more equitable and supportive system.

Providing research, anecdotes, and practical insights from leading scholars and professionals, The Role of an Education Assistant acts as a guide for navigating the complexities of the education assistant role, from collaborating with teachers and students in lesson planning to creating inclusive learning environments. This updated second edition includes expanded content across all chapters and new content highlighting diverse perspectives, Indigeneity, gender, and sexuality. In addition, there are new “Actions in the Field” segments at the end of each section which outline strategies and activities for field practice and professional development. Featuring topical scholarship, an emphatically Canadian perspective, discussion questions, and timely case studies, this is a critical text for college and university students in education studies, education assistant programs, and professionals currently working in the field. FEATURES - Guides students through the complexities of the role of an education assistant with research, anecdotes, and practical advice from scholars and professionals - Includes updated content on broadened perspectives in cultural diversity, gender, and sexuality - Includes the brand new “Actions in the Field” segments, providing students with strategies and activities for implementing what students have learned in their professional practice

Digital technologies play a significant role in the popular imagination about the future of education, as they are a prominent aspect of modern education provision and practice across the globe. Due to the increased adoption of digital education materials during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pedagogical significance of digital technology has been amplified. Advancing Equity and Inclusion Through Educational Technology builds upon the available literature in equity and inclusion through educational technology while providing further research opportunities in this dynamic and growing field. It provides the opportunity for reflection on this crucial issue by increasing the understanding of the importance of inclusion and equity in the context of educational improvements and providing relevant academic work, empirical research findings, and an overview of this relevant field of study. Covering topics such as sustainable inclusion learning, virtual school press programs, and generic skills, this major reference work is a comprehensive and timely resource for educators and administrators of both K-12 and higher education, government officials, pre-service teachers, teacher educators, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Ontario Context is the first book to offer a thorough introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Ontario. Highlighting examples, research, and interventions specific to Ontario, this manual provides an abundance of information in one central location, making it an indispensable tool for any Ontario professional working with individuals with ASD. This comprehensive text begins with a brief history of ASD and an overview of its contemporary understandings, including current diagnostic criteria. Covering a range of evidence-based interventions that have been shown to be effective for individuals with ASD—and supplemented with graphics, checklists, and hands-on strategies for application—this book provides essential information to inform practitioners. The concluding section on ASD across the lifespan explores how these interventions are delivered within agencies throughout Ontario, from preschool through to adulthood, and addresses relevant issues and topics for each age group. Featuring chapter summaries, definitions of key terms, lists of further resources, and reflective questions, this highly accessible and pedagogically rich text is vital reading not only for current and future practitioners, but also for parents of children with ASD.

This book supports the professional learning of school principals, and those who aspire to be such, in development of their skills and knowledge around fostering inclusive schools for students with special education needs. The book includes 27 case stories that are based on research with school principals. Each case includes expert commentaries and resources to support principals and emerging leaders as they consider how to effectively support students with special education needs in inclusive schools. Its premise is based on the recognition that there are increasing numbers of students with disabilities and special education needs in neighbourhood schools. Principals need to develop new competencies to navigate the challenges, and benefits, of including students with special education needs into inclusive classroom settings. The book provides opportunities to build leadership competencies by considering a diversity of cases related to inclusive leadership. The cases in the book are divided among nine sections addressing the following areas: transitions, early years, elementary school cases, secondary school cases, community supports, school board/district supports, school teams, complex cases, and cases specific to new teachers. Seven cross-cutting themes are addressed in these cases including: communication, parents/caregivers, agency/efficacy, collaboration, relationships/trust, legal, and advocacy.

People Skills for Behavior Analysts provides a much-needed introduction to the people skills needed to succeed as a behavior analyst. Divided into two primary parts – Foundational Skills and Specialized Skills – this book addresses an impressive breadth of people skills, focusing on intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, collaboration, consultation and training, leadership, and resource development. Relying on recent evidence-based practices and relevant literature tailored to meet the new BACB Task List, Professional & Ethical Compliance Code, and Supervised Independent Fieldwork requirements, the text includes contributions from leading figures from a wide variety of applied behavior analysis subfields to provide a truly balanced overview. The book delves into the literature from fields related to behavior analysis, such as counselling, psychology, graphic design, management and education, and applies these perspectives to behavioral theories and principles to provide students, new graduates, and seasoned professionals with research, best practices, reflective questions, and practical techniques. From reflecting on one’s practice, to learning essential therapeutic skills, running a great meeting, becoming a ‘super’ supervisor, and delivering a memorable presentation, all people skills are included in one place for the behavior practitioner. This is a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate students studying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and will also appeal to recent graduates and behavior analysts looking to improve their existing skillset.

Learn the ins and outs of health promotion and disease prevention in Canada with Edelman and Kudzma's Canadian Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span. This all-new, comprehensive text grounds you in the Canadian health objectives for promotion and prevention which aims to improve the health of the entire population and to reduce health inequities among population groups. Among the text's chapters you'll find extensive coverage of growth and development throughout the life span — including coverage of the normal aspects, the unique problems, and the health promotion needs that are found in each age and stage of development. Separate chapters discuss each population group — the individual, the family, and the community — and highlight the unique aspects of caring for each of these groups. In all, this comprehensive and culturally relevant text provides all the tools needed to stay up on the latest research and topics in Canadian health promotion.

Understanding Mental Health Across Educational Contexts provides an overview of mental health and mental health disorders from a Canadian classroom perspective. Providing definitions and current understandings of mental health challenges and disorders commonly found in K–12 classrooms, this text equips future educators with a toolbox of strategies and resources that they can use inside the classroom. Recognition and support for students and educators struggling with mental health or a mental health disorder has been growing in demand, and this text addresses the importance of this conversation in education while focusing on the interplay of student, teacher, and family. Divided into two sections on core concepts and practical applications, this edited collection covers topics such as mental health disorders frequently encountered within school settings and their relationships with academic achievement, technology, neurodiversity, and career development; Indigenous, queer, and anti-racist practice and praxis; educator mental health and wellness; trauma-informed teaching; and creating mentally healthy classrooms. This essential text is foundational for future educators and those in courses covering child and youth care, exceptional learners, early childhood education, or social work. Courses covering mental health, counselling, or psychology will also find value in this reference guide for common challenges faced by young people or families.

To communicate, speakers need to make it clear what they are talking about. Referring expressions play a crucial part in achieving this, by anchoring utterances to things. Examples of referring expressions include noun phrases such as “this phenomenon”, “it” and “the phenomenon to which this Topic is devoted”. Reference is studied throughout the Cognitive Sciences (from philosophy and logic to neuro-psychology, computer science and linguistics), because it is thought to lie at the core of all of communication. Recent years have seen a new wave of work on models of referring, as witnessed by a number of recent research projects, books, and journal Special Issues. The Research Topic “Models of Reference” in Frontiers in Psychology is a new milestone, focusing on contributions from Psycholinguistics and Computational Linguistics. The articles in it are concerned with such issues as audience design, overspecification, visual perception, and variation between speakers.