Communication Alternatives in Autism - by Edlyn Vallejo Peña (Paperback)

About the Book

"'The experience and knowledge of Dr. Peäna who is both a parent and a scholar shines through to help us better understand the lives and journey of a remarkable group'-Anne M. Donnellan, professor emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of San Diego"--

Book Synopsis

Ten autistic self-advocates share their experiences with alternative forms of communication such as rapid prompting method (RPM) and facilitated communication (FC), both highly controversial. Their narratives document the complexities that autistic individuals navigate--in both educational and community settings--when choosing to use approaches that utilize letter boards and keyboards. While the controversies remain--RPM requires further scientific study, and FC is subject to criticism about confirmation bias--these individuals share powerful stories in the context of aiming for disability rights. The book concludes with a chapter about best practices for educators, particularly for schools and colleges that have students who use these communication methods.

Review Quotes

"Communication Alternatives in Autism is a book that has been needed for a long time. It gives voice to the thoughts and humanity of individuals with autism who use various means to communicate via the written word. The experience and knowledge of Dr. Edlyn Peña who is both a parent and a scholar shines through to help us better understand the lives and journey of a remarkable group of authors. Enjoy!"-Anne M. Donnellan, professor emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of San Diego

"A valuable volume in that is gives those on the spectrum the opportunity to self-advocate for their own communication method"-Library Journal

"Autistic children and adults, around the world, are being treated as if they aren't humans, as if they aren't capable of sentient thought. This is highly disconcerting, and I feel a need to aid change. Whilst reading this book, I felt relief at the end of each essay--the individuals ascertained a status of fair treatment and respect from others."-Thinking Person's Guide to Autism

"In Communication Alternatives in Autism, Dr. Edlyn Peña addresses one of the most controversial topics in research and education for non-speaking communicators and those with limited speech--the authenticity of communication through typing and spelling. It is well known that a small group of critics have dominated discourse disputing the validity of such communication.... For those who believe ongoing discourse should not be shut down, and especially for those who already think the die is cast, this important work is a significant step forward in understanding why we must intensify our efforts to understand and give voice to those who cannot speak."-Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CC-SLP, Brown University, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

"Required reading for every childhood professional. Communication Alternatives in Autism is a book that will change the hearts and minds of its readers. The first person narratives of autistic individuals confront the harsh reality of our age, that non-speaking persons have been under-estimated, misunderstood, and mistreated historically. This book forces us to hear their stories and to presume competence, discarding the limited lens of the neurotypical culture, and to embrace and have compassion for those who move, speak, and act differently. Indeed, when we do this, everyone benefits. I hope that every parent, educator, and childhood professional reads this book. Indeed, the lessons are not limited to communication, but to something much more profound: the inherent brilliance found in each human being, regardless of their ability to communicate with spoken language."-Mona Delahooke, PhD, author of Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science & Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges.

About the Author

Edlyn Vallejo Peña is an associate professor of higher education leadership and the director of the Autism and Communication Center at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. She has published over two dozen journal articles and book chapters in the fields of education and disability.