Preparing for Life - by Jed Baker (Paperback)

About the Book

A bestselling author and counselor offers a comprehensive resource for students on the autism spectrum preparing for life after high school. This handbook focuses on "life skills training" on such subjects as nonverbal cues, body language, dealing with anger, and building and maintaining friendships and intimate relationships. Includes assessment tools for parents and analysis of laws that provide accommodations to adults with disabilities.

Book Synopsis

Typically, ASD high school graduates are unprepared for the transition to independence. Early, ongoing training in the social skills crucial to establishing successful adult relationships-in college, vocational school, residential living, or on the job-can help. He also guides readers through the legal, financial, educational, vocational, and community resources available after graduation. The essence of the book lies in the 73 "Skill Lessons" targeting nonverbal communication, empathy, anger/anxiety management, conversational skills, and employment-related skills-which can be taught by parents, teachers, or professionals. This easy-to-follow resource offers a complete toolbox of social skills and the means to attain them.

About the Author

Having earned his MA and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Albany, Dr. Jed Baker is a behavioral consultant for several New Jersey school districts where, nearly two decades ago, he organized a group to help children with social communication problems. That group expanded and ultimately became the Social Skills Training Project under Dr. Baker's directorship. Dr. Baker also presents lectures all over the world on social skills training, and is on the board of directors of the Asperger's Syndrome Education Network, Inc. (ASPEN). His work has been featured on ABC News and Nightline.