Book Overview

SERVAM is an acronym for:

- Sensory considerations

- Environmental management

- Routines and planned change

- Visual supports

- Autism friendly communication

- Motivation

These six elements provide a framework for creating autism-friendly learning environments at home, school and in the community. The handbook shows parents how to use SERVAM to foster their child’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical and creative growth in day-to-day family life.

Whether your child has Asperger’s Disorder or Autism, this handbook is relevant and applicable.

All children with autism are different, as are their families. SERVAM provides a flexible framework so that parents can balance their child’s specific learning needs with family life.

The handbook, written in everyday language, is based on practical know-how and research from the fields of Special Education, Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. SERVAM does not replace the input of professionals. SERVAM explains how research-based, practical strategies from Special Education, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy may be used to guide your child in everyday situations.

It is not uncommon for parents to receive contradictory professional advice. This handbook will help parents coordinate the input of professionals. For those parents who are placed on long waiting lists, SERVAM will help you to get started and not waste precious time.

Child development research and over 30 years of clinical practice frame the principles of SERVAM.

Disclaimer:

Chapters from the SERVAM handbook do not provide exclusive strategies for working with a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. People need to consider a range of approaches when working with a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. While every reasonable effort has been made by the authors to ensure that the information in this handbook is up to date, the authors do not give any guarantees, undertakings or warranties in relation to the accuracy completeness and up to date status of the information. The SERVAM handbook should be used as a starting point when working with a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, however the information in the handbook is not a substitute for independent professional advice from qualified health care professionals.