Francis Tabone, PhD, is head of The Cooke Center for Learning and Development. Cooke Center Schools serve children and young adults from kindergarten to the age of twenty-one with special needs. He has worked to develop programs and models of special education in the multiple schools that Cooke Center runs. Tabone has been both a teacher and administrator for the Department of Education in New York, NY, helping to develop innovative programming for special needs students. His work as a teacher, psychologist, and administrator has spanned nearly thirty years. Currently, Tabone serves as an adjunct professor of special education in several New York colleges and universities. He lives in New York City with his wife and daughter.
"The ASD Independence Workbook confronts the issues faced by
young adults as they strive to be independent and assume their
position in the community. Within each of the four content areas,
the many tested and practical activities are presented in a
rhythmic style that makes them easy to follow and understand. The
book stands out because Tabone respects the competence of his
readers and their desire to be a part of the majority culture
without changing who they are. It will be a valuable resource in
their quest to achieve a balanced and fulfilled life."
--Carole R. Gothelf, EdD, director of individualized
supports for AHRC New York City--Carole R. Gothelf, EdD
"The ASD Independence Workbook is an excellent resource for
educators and young adults alike. This carefully sequenced text
outlines key topics related to independent living, social
communication, and community integration. Complete with activities,
checklists, and discussion points, this book is a wonderful
addition to any special educator's toolkit or to individuals who
may be interested in developing their own skill set!"
--Mary Clancy, MSEd, division head at Cooke School and
Institute, a school that serves students with moderate to severe
disabilities in New York City, NY--Mary Clancy, MSEd
"Our school, The Gateway School of Mumbai, is in its first year of
running its high school adaptive program and we have been working
hard to figure out the best way to prepare our students for this
transition to life, as young adults beyond school. ... There is a
lot of material on independent skills and transition programs out
there, but the two things that made Francis's book invaluable to us
were a) the organization of ideas into four essential themes, each
with a concise but purposeful list of goals and activities, and b)
the structured and explicit breakdown of the activities provided us
novice teachers with the much-needed scaffolding that we were
looking for as we implemented the program for the first time. Thank
you, Francis, for compiling the knowledge accumulated through years
of experience and study in this area, it has been an immense
support to us!"
--Radhika Zahedi, MA, co-principal, The Gateway School of
Mumbai--Radhika Zahedi, MA
"Tabone expertly translates research into easily understandable,
structured, real-life practices for students with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD). The ASD Independence Workbook provides
students with strategies, explicit directions, checklists, and
reflective teachings to support a successful transition to
independence and full life after high school. This is certainly a
workbook that will be in my toolbox!"
--Stewart Miller, head of school, Riverview School--Stewart
Miller
"This clear, complete, and practical skill-building guide will take
young people all the way down the road to a successful transition
to adult life. And it's a resource for family members, school
staff, clinicians, and anyone who wants to help young people
lead productive and satisfying lives. Don't think about transition
without it."
--Fredda Rosen, executive director of Job Path, a New York
City, NY-based not-for-profit that helps people with autism and
other developmental disabilities find jobs, live in their own
homes, and become part of community life--Fredda Rosen
"Working in special education for the last twenty years has made me
realize how important these adaptive skills are to the independence
and happiness of young people with ASD. This book is a much-needed
resource for teachers and families, and can have a profound impact
on the lives of young people with ASD if truly incorporated into
their educational and transitional plans."
--Mark Lauterbach, PhD, assistant professor for early
childhood/art education; program head for special education at
Brooklyn College--Mark Lauterbach, PhD
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