This book presents an international research-based framework that has empowered parents of
children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to become critical decision makers to actively
guide their child's learning and self-advocacy. Parents can use this framework to identify
their child's vision and dreams and to work with educators and service providers to establish
specific learning goals and to implement effective interventions and programs that enable their
child to achieve those goals and realise their vision for the future. The book begins by
reviewing available research on evidence-based practice for children with ASD and outlining the
Cycle of Learning decision-making framework for parents and professionals. Throughout the
remainder of the book case studies are presented to illustrate the ways in which different
parents have successfully utilised this framework to develop effective plans for their child
and to advocate for learning and education programs for both their child and other children
with ASD in school and community settings. In addition it highlights concrete examples of how
parents have used the framework to empower their children with ASD to develop their
self-awareness and self-determination and to be able to self-advocate as they move through
adolescence and into adult life.
