Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Recreation

This book was developed to assist recreation service providers, as well as families, to understand strategies for supporting individuals with ASD in community and school recreation programs. The ideas have many practical uses in generic and specialized recreation programs. A variety of audiences, including teachers, recreation service providers, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS), physical education teachers, adapted physical education specialists, occupational therapists (OTR), university students in the previous professions, program directors, residential staff, youth service workers, camp staff, autism consultants, families and advocates, will find answers to their questions regarding the challenges of supporting individuals with ASD in organized community and school recreation activities. In addition, recreation service providers and families will learn about their roles and responsibilities in better serving individuals with ASD in community and school recreation programs. Following a preface, "Terminology in this Book," the book is divided into the following chapters: (1) Introduction (Phyllis Coyne); (2) Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges and Strengths for Recreation Participation (Phyllis Coyne); (3) Parent Perspectives on Leisure at Home and in the Community (Jane Rake); (4) A Few Perspectives and Experiences of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Related to Recreation (Jane Rake and Ann Fullerton); (5) Planning Participation in Recreation for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Phyllis Coyne); (6) Supports for Maximizing Success in Recreation Activities (Phyllis Coyne); (7) Strategies Used by Special Programs to Develop Recreation Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ann Fullerton); (8) Serving Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Parks and Recreation Agencies (Ann Fullerton); (9) Participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Youth Service Organizations (Mary Lou Vandenburg and Phyllis Coyne); (10) Camp Programs for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Ann Fullerton); and (11) Recreation Programs Initiated by Parents (Mary Lou Vandenburg, Phyllis Coyne, and Ann Fullerton). Appended are: (1) Resources; (2) Web sites; and (3) Organizations. A list of references; an index; and a section providing information about the authors are also included. (Contains 77 figures and 9 tables.)