Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth With Asperger Syndrome and Autism

The motivational power of special interests has long been established. This step-by-step book shows parents and educators how to help change an unwanted or inappropriate behavior by capitalizing on the special interests that characterize children and youth with Asperger Syndrome. The approach is simple, making it easy for parents and educators to use and easy for children to learn desired behaviors. A brief, motivational text related to the child’s special interest or a highly admired person is combined with an illustration, which is then made into a bookmark or business card-sized “Power Card” that the child can refer to whenever needed. For younger children, the special interest or hero is incorporated into a short story.