"Let Me Hear Your Voice" by Catherine Maurice

“She was a beautiful doe-like child, with an intense, graceful fragility. In her first year, she picked up words, smiled and laughed, and learned to walk. But then Anne-Marie began to turn inward. And when her little girl lost some of the words she had acquired, cried inconsolably, and showed no interest in anyone around her, Catherine Maurice took her to doctors who gave her a devastating diagnosis: autism.

In their desperate struggle to save their daughter, the Maurices plunged into a medical nightmare of false hopes, "miracle cures," and infuriating suggestions that Anne-Marie's autism was somehow their fault. Finally, Anne-Marie was saved by an intensive behavioral therapy (ABA).

Let Me Hear Your Voice is a mother's illuminating account of how one family triumphed over autism. It is an absolutely unforgettable book, as beautifully written as it is informative.”

"Right from the Start: Behavioral Intervention for Young Children With Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (Topics in Autism)” by: Sandra L. Harris, Mary Jane Weiss

“I wish I'd had this book so much earlier. I cried as I read the parents' stories and experiences—they sound just like the talks my husband and I have and our worries, hopes, and dreams for our son. This is a wonderful book of insight and advice for getting started receiving services and assuring you that you can make progress in reaching your child! Strongly recommended.” – reader recommendation

"Behavioral Intervention in Young Children With Autism" by Catherine Maurice, et. al

This is the book to get if you are considering running an intensive one on one program for your developmentally delayed child. From the science of ABA to the application of ABA, this book gives a solid outline. From the selection of tutors and consultants to obtaining funding, this book offers "how to" information.

Is ABA successful in teaching 90% of children with Autism? You bet! In fact 40%+ will reach a point where they no longer fit the criteria for PDD or Autism. IQ scores increase. Autistic behavior is reduced. Attention is increased. Learning takes place. Is running a home ABA program time consuming and expensive? Yes it is time consuming and if you have to pay for it yourself it can be costly. Is it worth it? Yes!

A Work in Progress: Behavior Management Strategies and A Curriculum for Intensive Behavioral Treatment of Autism by Ron Leaf, John McEachin and Jaisom D. Harsh. Practical advice and easy-to-understand explanations of how to set up an ABA program. Like the Maurice book, it also includes advice on teaching social skills and conversation.

Teaching Developmentally Disabled Children : The Me Book by O. Ivar Lovaas. The landmark 1981 book describing the Lovaas method. This book is dated; for example, most ABA therapists do not use "aversives" anymore. Still, it offers interesting insights into ABA by the psychologist whose research made the method popular. (Austin, Texas: Pro-Ed, 1981). Available from publisher at 8700 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, Texas 78757, 1-512-451-3246. Describes a home-based program for behavior modification therapy. This book is highly recommended by practitioners of the Lovaas method. ISBN: 0936104733 (250 pages, 1992); ISBN: 0936104783 (paperback, University Park Press, 1981). [autism,treatment,behavioral]

Teaching Children with Autism: Strategies for Initiating Positive Interactions and Improving Leaving Opportunities, by R. L. and L. K. Koegel, 1995, Paul Brooks, Baltimore.

4: August 12, 2002