The Autism Nest Model - by Shirley Cohen & Allison Graham Brown (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This well-researched and evidence-based program was formulated in response to the severe shortage of educational programs designed for higher functioning school-age children with ASD, which often leads to inappropriate placement, and a lack of supports...all of which inevitably results in poor educational experiences. The program uses a positive behavior support approach and incorporates strategies that address areas of difficulties common in autistic children, specifically sensory functioning, social relatedness, self-regulation, managing anxiety, and selective cognitive problems.

This program helps children function comfortably and successfully in mainstream settings in their schools and communities, whenever feasible, with decreased need for professional support.

The original book, the ASD Nest Model, published by AAPC Press in 2013, presented the model from

conception in 2001 through development and implementation in 2012. It established the foundation of the Nest program from which the current model evolved. The second edition covers the entire period of 20 plus years from conception to the present, showcasing the evolution of the model over that period. The change in title for the second edition from "The ASD Nest Model" to "The Autism Nest Model," is representative of the evolution not only of language but also the understanding and practice that the new edition reflects.

The second edition has three parts. Part One highlights the foundational strategies and supports of the model during its first ten years, including the partnership between the New
York City Public Schools and the Nest program. Part Two describes the ongoing development and evolution of the program across the following 10 years, with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming practices, including what has been learned from the experiences and expertise of the autistic advocate community and changes in the field. Part Three presents challenges to scaling the model, and considerations for responding to those challenges, while highlighting the outstanding successes of the program across two decades.

Review Quotes

Over the last 40 years, paradigm shifts in education from applied behavior analysis to TEACCH Structured Teaching to more naturalistic behavioral models have moved the field of autism forward. I believe the ASD NEST program represents the same challenge and potential in providing a framework for integrated classrooms and inclusion for higher functioning children with autism in public school settings. This is a book that every educator concerned about developing truly appropriate educational opportunities for children with autism should have. -- Catherine Lord, PhD, Psychiatry and Pediatrics at

Weill-Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY

The authors have done a masterful job of capturing the heart and methodology of an effective program for children with ASD that has been carefully designed based on research and experience. Against all odds, this program was envisioned and then implemented by their team of amazing, dedicated individuals and has completely changed the education of children with ASD within the New York City public school system. The book is written in such a way that it can be used as a whole to help parents, teachers, school psychologists, administrators, and others who want to understand, step by step, how to design a successful program. It can also be used in parts by those who are looking for guidance about a particular area of autism education or ideas for how to adapt an existing program or classroom. The beauty of this book is that everyone involved in the education of children with ASD, as well as the students themselves, will ultimately benefit from the information presented.-- Ellen Hanson, PhD, director, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Phenotyping Program, Boston Children s Hospital, Harvard Medical School

With nonjudgmental focus on the characteristics, strengths, and learning styles of students with autism spectrum and related special needs, the Nest program shines through an example of developing and implementing best teaching practice that in the end benefits all students. Seeing this program in action is the next best thing to having it available as an educational choice when I was a student going through grade school. -- Stephen M. Shore, EdD, assistant professor of special education, internationally renowned author, consultant, and presenter on issues

related to autism and special education. Autistic person.

Providing a much-needed roadmap for inclusive education, The ASD Nest Model hits the mark! Teachers and school staff now have an inclusion

instruction manual with all the pieces described for setting up their own model inclusion programs, and parents have a reference for what to expect for their child s needs for success. A first-of-its-kind resource, it should be much appreciated! -- Connie Kasari, PhD, professor, Center for Autism Research

& Treatment, UCLA Semel Institute

The ASD Nest Model lays out an already tested recipe for

success in teaching students with ASD in the average or above-average cognitive range. This book is the nuts-and-bolts of what it takes to deliver an inclusive public education to some of our brightest students who need specific support to access learning. Following these instructions and using the ingredients you already have will add your school, your staff, and your students with ASD to the winner list! -- Judy Endow, MSW, autism consultant