This well-researched and evidence-based program was formulated in response to the severe shortage of educational programs designed for higher functioning school-age children with ASD, which often leads to inappropriate placement, and a lack of supports...all of which inevitably results in poor educational experiences. The program uses a positive behavior support approach and incorporates strategies that address areas of difficulties common in children with ASD, specifically sensory functioning, social relatedness, self-regulation, managing anxiety, and selective cognitive problems. This program helps children function comfortably and successfully in mainstream settings in their schools and communities, whenever feasible, with decreased need for professional support.
Shirley Cohen earned a PhD in developmental psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. She worked as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, a remedial reading teacher, and a teacher of children with autism before becoming a faculty member at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY.) Dr. Cohen held numerous roles at the college: Director of the CUNY/NYS Regional Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders; Chair of the Department of Special Education; Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the Hunter College School of Education. Dr. Cohen, the author of several books in the area of disability, worked with colleagues from New York University and Hunter College to develop the Nest program and co-edited the original edition of the book on that Model. She retired from Hunter College in 2011. Allison Graham Brown is the Executive Director of the Nest Support Project at New York University (NYU) in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Allison earned a BA in psychology from Ohio State University and an MA in education from NYU. Allison has been a proud member of the Nest community since 2006, beginning as a New York City Public School special education teacher at the first Nest middle school. In 2013, she joined the Nest Support Project at NYU and held numerous roles: Instructional Support Specialist, Director of Professional Development, and Director of the Secondary Education Department. During her tenure she supported the launch of the Nest model in Denmark and led the development of the Nest high school model. Allison has been an adjunct lecturer at Hunter College and NYU. Allison partners with school communities, specifically working with school leadership to enhance their equitable and inclusive practices, deepen understanding of neurodiversity, and implementing neurodiversity-affirming and strength based practices.
PrefaceChapter 1 Introduction The ASD Nest Program Classroom Guideposts The Three-Tier Model of Supports for the ASD Nest Program Case Examples Conclusion Chapter 2: Classroom Guideposts Overview of the ASD Nest Program Prevention Strategies Instructional Strategies and Supports Social Supports That Strengthen Social Relational Development and Social Cognition Replacement Behavior Positive Reinforcement Systems Using the Classroom Guideposts Conclusion Chapter 3: Three-Tier Model of Supports Using the Tier I Classroom Checklist of Strategies and Supports Using the Tier I Checklist of Strategies and Supports for Individual Students Using the Tier II Checklist of Strategies and Supports for Individual Students Using the Tier III Checklist of Strategies and Supports for Individual Students Conclusion Chapter 4: The Three-Tier System and the Classroom Guideposts in Action The Tier I Classroom Checklist in Operation The Tier I Checklist of Strategies and Supports for Individual Students The Tier II Checklist of Strategies and Supports for Individual Students The Tier III Checklist of Strategies and Supports for Individual Students References About the Authors
Over the last 40 years, paradigm shifts in education from applied behavior analysis to TEACCH Structured Teaching to more naturalistic behavioral models have moved the field of autism forward. I believe the ASD NEST program represents the same challenge and potential in providing a framework for integrated classrooms and inclusion for higher functioning children with autism in public school settings. This is a book that every educator concerned about developing truly appropriate educational opportunities for children with autism should have." - Catherine Lord, PhD, Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Weill-Cornell Medical College, White Plains, NY"The authors have done a masterful job of capturing the heart and methodology of an effective program for children with ASD that has been carefully designed based on research and experience. Against all odds, this program was envisioned and then implemented by their team of amazing, dedicated individuals and has completely changed the education of children with ASD within the New York City public school system. The book is written in such a way that it can be used as a whole to help parents, teachers, school psychologists, administrators, and others who want to understand, step by step, how to design a successful program. It can also be used in parts by those who are looking for guidance about a particular area of autism education or ideas for how to adapt an existing program or classroom. The beauty of this book is that everyone involved in the education of children with ASD, as well as the students themselves, will ultimately benefit from the information presented."- Ellen Hanson, PhD, director, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Phenotyping Program, Boston Children s Hospital, Harvard Medical School "With nonjudgmental focus on the characteristics, strengths, and learning styles of students with autism spectrum and related special needs, the Nest program shines through an example of developing and implementing best teaching practice that in the end benefits all students. Seeing this program in action is the next best thing to having it available as an educational choice when I was a student going through grade school." - Stephen M. Shore, EdD, assistant professor of special education, internationally renowned author, consultant, and presenter on issues related to autism and special education. Autistic person. "Providing a much-needed roadmap for inclusive education, The ASD Nest Model hits the mark! Teachers and school staff now have an inclusion instruction manual with all the pieces described for setting up their own model inclusion programs, and parents have a reference for what to expect for their child s needs for success. A first-of-its-kind resource, it should be much appreciated!" - Connie Kasari, PhD, professor, Center for Autism Research & Treatment, UCLA Semel Institute "The ASD Nest Model lays out an already tested recipe for success in teaching students with ASD in the average or above-average cognitive range. This book is the nuts-and-bolts of what it takes to deliver an inclusive public education to some of our brightest students who need specific support to access learning. Following these instructions and using the ingredients you already have will add your school, your staff, and your students with ASD to the winner list!" - Judy Endow, MSW, autism consultant
