Many families with a child with autism or Asperger Syndrome feel that involvement in the community is not for them. This book sets out to change that, with a rich and varied menu of suggestions for how such families can take full part in community life and support the strengths and interests of their child at the same time. Informal learning experiences can be the key to self-discovery, communication, self-confidence, and even independence for many children on the autism spectrum. Only outside the four walls of school will your child truly discover their own passions, abilities, and social peers. Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun is a guide to what's out there, how to find it, and how to make it work for your family. The book includes hints and tips for involving your family in the right community activities, from sport to science, information on museums, arts organizations and science institutions as venues for an enjoyable and enriching day out for the family, and resources and ideas for helping your child build on their strengths, interests, and preferred learning styles to explore life in the community. Handouts about autism are included, as well as handouts suggesting ways in which organisations and institutions can successfully include young people with autism in their activities. This book will open the door to community inclusion, creative exploration, and social learning.

Préface
Shows that the world can be a fun place and worth exploring, for children more inclined to avoid community involvement

Auteur
Lisa Jo Rudy is a professional writer, researcher and consultant, and the mother of a 13-year-old boy with an autism spectrum disorder. Since 2006, she has been the 'About.com Guide to Autism' (www.autism.about.com), a part of The New York Times Company. Lisa has more than twenty years of experience in developing hands-on exhibits, interactive games, books and activities for kids with every learning style. She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to build on their abilities, strengths and passions. Lisa has founded an inclusive summer program for children with autism in collaboration with the YMCA, written articles on inclusion for museum professionals, presented workshops on the subject, and is working toward development of related programs for the future. Lisa's website can be found at www.lisarudy.com.

Contenu
Preface. 1. Getting Out, Exploring, and Having Fun: Why Does it Matter? 2. Preparing Yourself and Your Child to Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun. 3. How to Learn About and Select Community Settings for Your Child and Family. 4. Sports and Autism. 5. Youth Groups: Scouts, 4-H, the YMCA, and More. 6. Museums, Zoos, Aquariums, and More. 7. Autism and Faith Communities. 8. The Visual and Performing Arts. 9. Summer Camps and the Natural World. 10. Special Interests, Clubs, Family Outings, and Other Ideas. 11. Selling the Idea of Inclusion. Appendix 1: A General Guide to Autism for Community Leaders. Appendix 2: Sample Grant Proposal. Appendix 3: Resource List. Index.