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“As a parent of three amazing children with autism spectrum disorder, I found this book very relatable, realistic, easy to follow, and an eye opener. Unlike other books on the same topic, it didn't leave me overwhelmed or confused! The authors write with a deep sense of empathy that truly shows their understanding of parents and kids. They masterfully explain how to guide children and organize their environment in a manner that sets them up for success and puts them on a path to becoming independent adults. The future seems a little less stressful and more achievable—for me, that is priceless.”

—Rachel O., Massapequa, New York


“I love how straightforward and detailed this book is! It feels like the authors are having a conversation with you. The authors acknowledge that it will take work to teach your child daily life skills, but they also provide you with the exact steps needed to achieve your goals. This book has shifted my thinking and given me confidence. My daughter can now buckle her own seatbelt—a major accomplishment for us!”

—Kathryn S., Wantagh, New York


“I have worked with learners of all ages. What makes this book so special is its heart. It goes beyond just teaching basic tasks. It is a roadmap for creating lifelong learning experiences rooted in empathy, empowerment, and support. Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking for a fresh approach, this book needs to be part of your toolbox for helping your child build a joyful and independent life.”

—Tara Karen, MSEd, BCBA, LBA, Director of Service Provision, Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Autism Services


“The authors provide calm, pragmatic advice and give you a framework for proactively building your child's skills. I will recommend this book to all of the parents I work with.”

—Sarah Hansen, PhD, Associate Professor of Special Education, Georgia State University


“I've often tried to teach my son an everyday routine and given up because I didn’t have the tools needed to succeed. This book has been tremendously useful to break down skills that may seem like second nature to typically developing children. So many of the scenarios made me stop and say, 'This is exactly what I needed!' I feel like I can breathe a little easier now. Sometimes it feels as though all the schooling, home therapy, and other therapy takes up a lot of our life, and we forget to stop and enjoy our child. That has changed after reading this book—it has lifted my spirits and given me hope.”

—Erica K., Levittown, New York


“This is a great resource for any parent, like myself, who sees a future for their neurodiverse child that includes independent living, but isn’t quite sure how to navigate the steps needed to prepare, support, and empower their child to thrive. I particularly enjoy the vignettes. They have the right level of detail and are varied enough to encompass different families' experiences. The suggested activities are well thought out and well presented.”

—Bryan S., Massapequa Park, New York


“A 'must read' for any parent of a neurodiverse child. Spectrum of Independence is a compassionate, practical guide filled with insights and steps to help children take ownership of their daily routines. Reading this book, it feels like the authors are speaking directly to you, offering genuine support and encouragement. This book is a go-to for families looking to create structure and foster self-reliance while celebrating every step forward.”

—Jing Zhou, MS, BCBA, Founder, Alpine Academy, Oviedo, Florida

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Table of Contents

Foreword, Peter Gerhardt

Introduction

I. Creating a New Future

1. “Why Aim for Independent Living?”: Your Child’s Reality Now and in the Future

2. “How Am I Supposed to Do This?”: Leveraging the Power of Task Analysis

II. Assessment

3. “Is My Child Ready for This?”: Evaluating Your Child’s Readiness

4. “Are You Ready for This?”: Evaluating Your Own Readiness

III. How to Teach Life Skills

5. “What Do I Need to Know before I Start?”: Understanding Behavior

6. How Am I Going to Teach?”: Empowering versus Enabling

IV. Let’s Do This!

7. “How Do I Start?”: How to Create a Task Analysis

8. “How Do I Get Myself Out of the Routine?”: Fading Prompts to Build Independence

V. Maximizing Independence

9. “When Do I Modify the Goal?”: Accommodating the Child versus Modifying the Goal

Epilogue: “How Do I Keep Moving Forward?”: Expanding Your Child’s Independence

Glossary

References

Index

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About the Authors

Kristin Lombardi, MA, BCBA, helps children and families prepare for independent living in her private practice in Locust Valley, New York. With a background in special education, psychology, and behavior analysis, she works with preschoolers through young adults with varying support needs.

Christine Drew, PhD, BCBA-D, is Assistant Professor of Special Education at Auburn University, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and works with Auburn's inclusive higher education program for students with intellectual disabilities. Prior to becoming a professor, she ran a middle school behavior program.

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Audience

Parents of kids and teens who need support with daily life skills; also of interest to special educators, behavior specialists, and occupational therapists.