Foreword
Introduction
THE PROBLEM
Chapter 1: Meltdowns: When rewards and punishments are not enough
What is a meltdown?
The usual parenting advice: start with rules and consequences
The limits of discipline: when rewards and punishments no longer work
But aren't meltdowns just manipulative behavior?
Can we really expect no more meltdowns?
An overview of the four-step model for reducing meltdowns
Chapter 2: What are meltdowns made of?
Fight, flight or freeze response
Temperament
Difficulties with abstract thinking and perspective taking
Inflexibility
An explosive combination
THE SOLUTION
Chapter 3: Accepting and appreciating our children
Controlling our own frustration
Building competence
Avoiding learned helplessness
The 80/20 rule
Anticipating frustration as part of learning
When to avoid power struggles
Chapter 4: De-escalating a meltdown
How to de-escalate a meltdown
Distractions
When too much distraction can make things worse
Helping children find their own distractions and calming strategies
Steps for creating self-calming strategies
Chapter 5: Understanding why repeat problems occur
Understanding the triggers
The ABCs of behavior: Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence
Getting the ABCs: Interviews and observations
Seeing the pattern
Chapter 6: Creating a prevention plan
The components of a good prevention plan
A prevention plan for Kevin
The four types of meltdown situations
Plans for the Four Types of Meltdown Situations
Chapter 7: Demands
Do your schoolwork
Try it, it's delicious
Hurry up, the bus is coming
Clean up
Let's go to the party
Chapter 8: Waiting
Just wait
You can't always get what you want
Okay, time to stop playing
Chapter 9: Threats to self-image
Winning isn't everything
It's okay to make mistakes
But names will never hurt you
Chapter 10: Unmet wishes for attention
I can't play with you now
Don't be jealous
Time to go to bed
Chapter 11: Closing thoughts: Finding your own way
Prevention plan form
References
Foreword
How to Use This Book
Social Story (TM) 10.2 Tutorials
Chapter 1: Learning with Stories
Chapter 2: Social Stories for Young Children
Chapter 3: Self Care
Chapter 4: Change
Chapter 5: Mistakes
Chapter 6: Feelings
Chapter 7: Celebrations and Gifts
Chapter 8: People Skills and Friendship
Chapter 9: Bullying: What to Think, Say, and Do
Chapter 10: Understanding Adults
Chapter 11: Home
Chapter 12: Community
Chapter 13: School
Chapter 14: Planet Earth
Chapter 15: Social Articles
Glossary
Foreword to the 10th Anniversary Edition
References
About the Author
Part One
The Nature of Autism
A brief look at Autism
The Importance of Using Visual Aids to Teach Children with Autism
Teaching Social Skills
Discrete Trial
Incidental Teaching
Cognitive Picture Rehearsal
What are Social Stories?
Structured Learning
About Social Skill Picture Stories
What are Social Skills Picture Stories?
Who Should Use Social Skills Picture Stories?
How to Use This Book
Initial Instruction
Should You Teach the "Wrong Way" to Enact a Skill?
Role-playing the Skills
Reviewing the Skill/Providing Corrective Feedback
Generalization of Skills
Making Your Own Social Skills Picture Stories
Things to Consider
Sample Steps for Other Skills
References
Part Two
Communication Related Skills
Don't be a Space Invader
Listening Position
Interrupting I (help opening a jar)
Interrupting II (help with a zipper)
Interrupting III (asking peers for a toy)
Greetings
Listening During a Conversation
Starting and Maintaining a Conversation (about the present)
Starting and Maintaining a Conversation (about the past)
Ending a conversation
Introducing yourself
Talking Briefly
Play-Related Skills
Asking to Play
Joining in Play
Sharing
Compromising
Turn Taking in Play
Playing a Game
Dealing with Losing
Emotion-Related Skills
Keeping Calm
Showing Understanding for Others' Feelings
Accepting No for an Answer
Dealing with Mistakes
Trying Something New (fear of a new situation)
Dealing with Teasing
Trying when it's Hard (dealing with hard or frustrating work)