In this work, Florica Stone shows how shared meanings can be learnt and expressed between autistic and non-autistic individuals, though they experience radically different perceptions of reality.

Through her questioning of traditional approaches regarding autism, and with determination and patience, Florica Stone has been able to develop a satisfying and supportive two-way channel of communication with her once non-verbal and solitary autistic son. In Autism - The Eighth Colour of the Rainbow Florica shows how shared meanings can be learnt and expressed between autistic and non-autistic individuals, though they experience radically different perceptions of reality. Through interacting with and listening to her autistic friends and son, she began to understand the autistic learning style and to decipher the various behavioural needs that arise from their particular sensory processing. In this inspiring, much-needed guide she presents ways of creating autistic-friendly environments, modifying traditional responses to autistic behaviour and using literal learning, and provides many useful examples and exercises. This book will help parents, teachers and professionals to learn how to interact meaningfully with autistic children, continuously enhance communication and bring about long-lasting changes.

Acknowledgements. Letter from a Loving Mother. Preface. 1. An Overview. 2. What is Autism Continuum? 3. Autism - A Way of Being. 4. Creating a Shared Sanctuary. 5. Real Friendship - Why is it Difficult to Form with Age Peers? 6. The Autistic Friendly Environment. 7. Reasons Behind 'Repetitive Behaviour' - Facilitating Change. 8. Autistic Communication and Pragmatic Style of Learning. 9. Emotions, Language, Behaviour and Social Communication. 10. Self-Exploratory Exercises - A Comparison. 11. Why Perceive the Language of Autism as a Foreign Language? 12. Teaching to Quantify. 13. Grieving. 14. Premises for Social Communication. 15. Receptive Language Disorder. 16. Is My Child Aloof? 17. Grains of Hope. 18. Our Child, A Silent Learner. 19. Is Social Interaction and Communication Possible Without a Cure? 20. Interaction - the Gateway to Shared Meanings. 21. Sensory 'Miss-Wiring' and Behaviour. 22. Other Behaviours. 23. Converging Parallel Realities. 24. Shaping your Language. 25. How to Choose the 'Right Approach'? 26. Hope - TLC and the Year of Promise. Postscript: An Open Invitation to Better the Interaction Process. Appendices. Glossary. References. Index.