An essential guide to planning, management and evaluation of early years' activities, this full-colour new edition provides detailed descriptions of the important materials, additional equipment and the role of the adults for a full range of activity types.

This best-selling book has been completely revised to provide a fully up-to-date guide on observation and assessment. Packed with examples of observation techniques, and documented examples, this is the only book students will need to build the skills required by the professional childcare practitioner. The book covers child observation components of all major childcare courses.

The single condition known as 'autism' is quickly becoming outdated, and is now understood to be an umbrella term for a variety of genetic conditions. This can be confusing for parents of children who have been diagnosed as having an 'autism spectrum disorder'. "A-Z of Genetic Factors in Autism" provides parents with a complete overview of the genetic disorders most commonly associated with autism, including those linked to immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, seizures, fits, and epilepsy.

This engaging book is an ideal, gentle introduction to the world of AS.

This absorbing and enjoyable book takes a refreshing approach to understanding ADHD.

From ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to ZS (Zellweger Syndrome), there seems to be an alphabet disorder for almost every behavior, from those caused by serious, rare genetic diseases to more common learning disabilities that hinder children's academic and social progress. Alphabet Kids have disorders that are often concurrent, interconnected or mistaken for one another: for example, the frequent combination of ASD, OCD, SID and ADHD. If a doctor only diagnoses one condition, he or she may have missed others.

Girls with Asperger's Syndrome are less frequently diagnosed than boys, and even once symptoms have been recognised, help is often not readily available. The image of coping well presented by AS females of any age can often mask difficulties, deficits, challenges, and loneliness. This is a must-have handbook written by an Aspergirl for Aspergirls, young and old.

• Outlines the historical and legislative perspectives of special needs in Ireland detailing key Irish legislation, i.e. EPSEN Act 2004, Disability Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2004, and its implications

• Introduces the student to a range of special needs conditions, detailing the causes, diagnosis and prognosis of each

• Highlights the effect of both verbal and non-verbal communication as a tool used in developing relationships with children with special needs

• Positions the role of the special needs assistant in relation to other stakeholders, i.e. family, teachers and other professionals

• Provides information on resources, services and facilities available in Ireland to children with special needs

• Identifies the principles of good practice in policies and procedures

• Includes a sample special needs case study with guidelines and information on completing assignments relating to courses on Special Needs

* Enables you to build up a picture of a child's progress throughout their development. * Guides you through the age-related behaviour to expect from a growing child. * It can reassure you that a child is developing normally or allow you to identify a child who, for some reason, may not be following developmental milestones.

* The safety, ICT and nutrition guidelines provided throughout offer useful tips to bear in mind when working with children. * The book benefits from Carolyn Meggitt's vast experience as an early years teacher who has written several successful textbooks on childcare and education.

Engaging. These are just a few of the words used by adopters and reviewers of John Santrock's "Child Development". "Child Development" is widely considered the most accurate and up-to-date topically-organized text in the field.

Written for Primary school teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students of Education and Drama, this is a comprehensive theoretical and practical book which situates the teaching of drama in the context of the Irish Education system.

'Effective Leadership and Management in the Early Years ! is the best analysis of leadership and management that I have come across. It is a highly practical tool and a resource that will enable early years practitioners at different stages of professional development to explore, understand, rate and develop their leadership and management expertise.'

• Presents a socio-historical perspective tracing the evolution of early education in Ireland through to present day

• Analyses and critiques current early childhood policy development and implementation

• Contextualises international research findings on young children’s development and learning, the role of practitioners and the critical importance of the learning environment as applied to children’s everyday experiences and setting practice in Ireland

• Introduces the concept of a nurturing pedagogy, and explores its potential to integrate care and education in practice

• Complements other developments in the field in Ireland such as Síolta – the National Quality Framework and the National Framework for Early Learning

• Foreword written by Elly Singer (Assoc. Prof at the University of Utrecht and University of Amsterdam and leading author in the area of childcare)

• Written for those studying Early Childhood Education at degree, or postgraduate level in Institutes of Technology, Universities and some Senior Colleges

• Also suitable for students taking Primary Teaching and Montessori courses

"From Birth to Five Years," based on the pioneering work of Mary Sheridan, has become a classic guide to the developmental progress of pre-school children.

Many families with a child with autism or Asperger Syndrome feel that involvement in the community is not for them. This book sets out to change that, with a rich and varied menu of suggestions for how such families can take full part in community life and support the strengths and interests of their child at the same time. Informal learning experiences can be the key to self-discovery, communication, self-confidence, and even independence for many children on the autism spectrum.

This new edition provides students with the most comprehensive and thorough resource available on all aspects of caring for young children with special needs. It also includes advice and guidance on new legislation, particularly the new Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs.

• Explains lifespan development from conception to old age, and is supported by Irish facts, research, statistics and context

• Introduces and discusses key debates within psychology, such as nature vs. nurture and critical vs. sensitive periods of development, by using contemporary case studies and findings

• Examines the stages from infancy to adolescence within the framework of physical, cognitive and socioemotional theories

• Visually well presented with each chapter containing: – Chapter outline and objectives – Keywords in definition boxes – Case study displaying application of theory and issues – A focus on a contemporary issue relating to each chapter content, making the learning experience very real – Recap of key points at end of chapter to aid revision and learning

• Always keeping the learner in mind, it is written in an accessible language and promotes easy understanding of key concepts and theories

Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which individuals with developmental disorders have one or more areas of expertise, ability, or brilliance - 'islands of genius' - that exist in contrast with their overall limitations. This paradox of genius and limitation within the same person offers a unique window on talent, intelligence and memory, and raises interesting questions about the hidden brain potential within us all. What makes the mind of a savant tick? Does this exceptional potential exist within each of us? If so, how can it be tapped? This unique account of Dr Darold Treffert's 47-year journey into the mind and world of the savant introduces some truly remarkable individuals, and looks at the causes, manifestations and implications of this extraordinary condition.

"Kids in the Syndrome Mix" is a concise, scientifically up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the whole range of often co-existing neuro-behavioral disorders in children - from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, to autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration problems, and executive dysfunction. Dr. Kutscher provides accessible information on causes, symptoms, interactions with other conditions, and treatments.

Law of Child Care examines the relationships that exist between the State and the family, and the restrictions placed by Articles 41 and 42 of the Constitution on State intervention in the life of the family to protect vulnerable and at-risk children.

'The new edition of Jillian's book is timely and much needed by early years practitioners. We are in a time when early years provision is expanding rapidly and multi-agency working is increasing. The complexity of leading in early years services requires practitioners who are confident in their own role and able to work creatively with large multi agency teams.

Parenting a child with Asperger's syndrome is never easy, and adding ADHD to the psychological mix makes life even more difficult. In this searingly honest account of bringing up her son, Luke, Jan Greenman challenges common perceptions of a 'life with labels', and recalls her family's 18 year journey to the edge and back. Writing frankly about the medical issues of Luke's early years, including the impact of MMR and Ritalin, Jan recalls how Luke's diagnoses came about, and how life at The Edge, their aptly named family home, changed as a result.

'This book is a very useful resource for setting leaders undertaking advanced study, such as Early Years Professional Status and the National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership! [I]t is also an interesting and up-to-date reference tool for qualified managers and leaders of early years settings, large and small, in all sectors' - "Early Years Update".

This book draws on a wide range of management theory and shows its relevance and relationship to early years settings.

This accessible and practical photocopiable resource is brimming with ideas and guidance for motivating children with autism spectrum disorder or other communication difficulties. The clear and user-friendly format of the book enables quick access to over 300 practical games and activities for using everyday toys and games in a range of settings throughout the day. For example, if your child likes to pop bubbles with their fingers, perhaps they would also enjoy counting bubbles? Or catching bubbles on a wand, stomping bubbles with their feet or even playing bubble volleyball.

'Your child has autism' - four small words with the power to leave parents feeling helpless, overwhelmed and confused. This concise, no-nonsense book will empower parents to regain control of the situation and take the first practical steps towards a calm and happy life with their newly-diagnosed child.

This is the first of three volumes of autobiobraphy in which Donna Williams recounts her struggle with autism. She describes the desolation of the first 25 years of her life, before discovering the word "autism" - a label which brought withit some answers and the hope of a sense of belonging. "Somebody Somewhere: Breaking Free from the World of Autism" (1-85302-719-7) and "Like Colour to the Blind : Soul Searching and Soul Finding" (1-85302-720-0) take up Donna's story at the point at which this volume leaves off.

When we tell someone that our child is autistic, the most common response is a sad face and an apologetic look. I hate it when people say 'I'm sorry to hear that' Parenting a child on the autistic spectrum can be tough at the best of times, but few books take the time to celebrate the love and laughter an autistic child can elicit in their parents and those around them. In this warm, honest and laugh-out-loud tale of bringing up Bobby, now ten, Georgina Derbyshire shares and rejoices in his 'slightly different' childhood.

Raising a child with ADHD can be distressing and exhausting for the whole family. But given the appropriate knowledge, and the right tools, parents can intervene to manage their child's behaviour, leading to improved relationships at home and, it is hoped, a more successful time at school. This simple, flexible six-step programme is full of tried-and-tested ideas for parents and professionals supporting families of young children with ADHD.

"The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century" is essential reading for anyone personally or professionally interested in autism spectrum conditions, such as individuals on the spectrum and their families, students and researchers, clinical practitioners, teachers, social workers and healthcare professionals.

"The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults.Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible.

This fully-updated second edition of "Helping Children with Dyspraxia" has been revised to reflect current practice and developments, providing clear and positive answers to questions commonly asked by parents, teachers and other professionals about dyspraxia. Maureen Boon draws on her considerable experience of working with children with speech and movement disorders to identify the characteristics of dyspraxia, explaining assessment procedures and identifying what can be done to help. New reflections appear on concepts such as physical literacy and whether or not incidence of dyspraxia has increased, and in an overview of the characteristics and causes of the condition, a comprehensive update on how it is identified and assessed is provided.