Supporting Social Learning in Autism: An Autobiographical Memory Program to Promote Communication & Connection

Autobiographical memory (ABM)—the type of long-term memory that holds information about ourselves and our past experiences—is key to social learning and social communication. This groundbreaking guide shows professionals how to support ABM in children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, leading to lasting enhancements to critical social skills.

A natural, strengths-based approach to autism intervention, this unique program is about promoting authentic connections by facilitating memory; not encouraging a specific set of behaviours or changing autistic habits of cognition. Ideal for speech-language pathologists and other practitioners, this book offers detailed guidance on how to assess ABM needs and implement activities that help autistic individuals encode and retrieve memories that aid in social learning. Professionals will get step-by-step instructions on using adaptable, person-centred techniques such as elaborative reminiscing, memory making activities, episodic memory draw-talks, and life stories.

An innovative and practical guide that honours neurodiversity, this program empowers children to tap into and create meaning from their past experiences—and use those memories to plan, problem-solve, and form positive connections with others. Why This Program?

• Helps neurotypical and autistic children and adolescents develop memory retrieval and discourse strategies critical for academic and social success
• Evidence aligned—translates pioneering research into ready-to-use intervention strategies and activities
• Client centred—honours the child’s interests and follows their lead without prescribing scripts or rules
• Adaptable for a wide range of intervention settings—home, school, and community
• Developed by highly respected experts on autism and communication
• Customisable to meet the needs of the individual

Professionals also get downloadable assessment and intervention forms, clear scope and sequences they can easily replicate, and handouts and worksheets to share with families so they can use the techniques at home.

Table of Contents

Front Matter

• About the Downloads
• About the Authors
• Preface
• For the Reader
• Dedication

SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL LEARNING AND AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY IN AUTISM

1. Supporting Social Learning in Autism
2. Understanding Autobiographical Memory
3. The Organization & Development of Autobiographical Memory

4.Autobiographical Memory and Autism

SECTION II: ASSESSMENT OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY

5. Assessment for Clinical Decision Making

6. Assessment Of Autobiographical Memory in Autism

• APPENDIX 6.1 Informant Reports
• APPENDIX 6.2 Autobiographical Memory Test
• APPENDIX 6.3 The Cueing Procedure
• APPENDIX 6.4 The Remember/Know Task
• APPENDIX 6.5 The Remember/Know Story Task
• APPENDIX 6.6 The SENSEs Procedure
• APPENDIX 6.7 The Where-When-What Task

7. Assessment Of Autobiographical Memory in Autism: Application In A Case Example With Cooper

SECTION III: TREATMENT OF AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY

8. Supporting Episodic Memory in Autism

9. Recall, Re-Experience, And Share the Past: Elaborative Reminiscing

10. Supporting Autobiographical Memory: Episodic Memory Stories

11. Supporting Memory, Social Learning, And Problem-Solving: Episodic Memory Draw-Talks

12. Facilitating Encoding of Episodic Memories: Making Memories Activities

13. Developing A Stronger Sense of Self: Life Stories

14. Treatment Of ABM In Autism: Application in A Case Example With Cooper

15. Autobiographical Memory: Goals, Maximizing Potential, Minimizing Barriers, and the Importance of Authenticity

APPENDIX A: Elaborative Reminiscing Caregiver Training Materials and Procedures

Glossary

Recommended Readings

References

Index