Autism does not sleep. When night falls, families everywhere tuck their children into bed for what will typically be a good night's sleep, but the care required by the child with special needs continues around the clock. Like Grandfather's pocket watch, if not wound consistently, the ticking will stop. Without proper early intervention there is a very real danger of watching a child fade from this world into a world he has created in his own mind. There is a push toward early diagnosis and education because it is universally understood that early intervention is vital for optimal gain. The younger a child is, the better chance of increased efficacy and possible re-growth of neural pathways. Teachers and therapists often provide some services during the day, but the family is the 24/7 team.

Introduction..................................................................................1 Part I. The Basics............................................................................. 5 Chapter 1. Getting Started ............................................................6 Childhood Autism ...............................................................7 Your 24/7 Plan© .......................................................... 9 Teaching Toolbox ....................................................... 16 Chapter 2. Your Child's Senses .......................................................19 Visual Sensitivities (sight) ............................................... 19 Auditory Sensitivities (hearing) ............................................20 Tactile Sensitivities (touch) .......................................... 21 Gustatory Sensitivities (taste) ......................................... 23 Olfactory Sensitivities (smell) ........................................ 23 Vestibular Sensitivities (balance and body movement) .......... 24 Proprioceptive Sensitivities (body in relation to space) ................24 Part II. Intervention .................................................................... 25 Chapter 3. Working through Sensitivities .................................... 26 Sensory Integration ..................................................... 27 Communication .......................................................... 32 Behavior ................................................................... 36 Chapter 4. Incorporating Teaching into Daily Activities ...................... 39 Teaching through Play .......................................................39 Teaching through Reading ........................................ 41 Teaching through Social Activities ..........................................42 Teaching through Cooking Activities ......................................43 Teaching through Language Activities ....................................44 Chapter 5. Letters of Learning ................................................. 46 Appendix: PrepChats© ..............................................................118