Understanding Intensive Interaction Context and Concepts for Professionals and Families

Author(s): Graham Firth

Aspergers & Autism

Intensive interaction is a valuable approach, with the potential to enhance radically the well-being of difficult-to-reach individuals, such as those with profound and severe learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions, institutionalisation and emotional problems. his highly accessible book will help practitioners develop a deeper understanding of this highly-successful approach and its associated issues, resulting in improved communication opportunities within a variety of care, therapeutic and educational settings. This compendium offers a multidisciplinary perspective to intensive interaction, bringing together the authors' experience and research from different disciplines. In this title, a glossary format and thematic structure are employed to enable readers to quickly access topics of interest, and gradually build on their understanding of the approach. Each chapter is devoted to an over-arching concept - including psychological theories of human behaviour, relationship building and maintenance and social inclusion - and illustrated with case studies to support theoretical assertions and offer practical examples of useful techniques.


Product Information

Graham Firth is Intensive Interaction Project Leader for Leeds Partnerships NHS Trust. Dr Ruth Berry is a consultant clinical psychologist with The Hesley Group, providing services to adults with autism and complex needs, including severe challenging behaviour. Cath Irvine is a specialist speech and language therapist for people with learning disabilities and autism, and Freelance Consultant and Trainer for Intensive Interaction.

Introduction.; 1. Intensive Interaction: What is its history? What sort of thing is it? What is it made up of? What is it for?; 2. Personal Characteristics.; 3. Social Inclusion.; 4. Human Communication.; 5. Relationship Building and Maintenance.; 6. Human Learning (Developmental Issues).; 7. Psychological Theories of Human Behaviour.; 8. Psychological Concepts.; 9. The Practicalities of Approach Use.; 10. Creating an Interactive Environment.; 11. Socio-Political Environment.; 12. Approach Development and Dissemination. Conclusion. References. Index.

General Fields

  • : 9781843109822
  • : 92434
  • : 92434
  • : 15 January 2010
  • : United Kingdom
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Graham Firth
  • : Paperback
  • : 362.1968
  • : 240
  • : Illustrations