Books by Olga Bogdashina

The fully revised edition of this bestselling book brings the understanding of sensory perceptual issues in autism up to date with current research. It describes sensory perceptual experiences and sensitivities and explains the cognitive differences caused by them. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and different methods of intervention.

In this updated edition, Olga Bogdashina provides a theoretical foundation for understanding communication and language impairments specific to autism. She explores the effects of different perceptual and cognitive styles on the communication and language development of autistic children. She also stresses the importance of identifying each individual's nonverbal language - which can be visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, auditory, olfactory or gustatory - to establish verbal communication. Reflecting recent research and changes in terminology, the book explains why some approaches may work for some autistic children but not for others, and the 'What They Say' sections allow the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and understand their language differences first-hand. 'What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations for helping autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.

Spirituality plays a vital role in the lives of many people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Drawing on interdisciplinary research as well as first-hand experiences of people with ASD, Olga Bogdashina shows how people with ASD experience their inner worlds and sense of self, and how this shapes the spiritual dimension of their lives.

Bogdashina explores theories of sensory perception and communication in autism. Drawing on linguistics, philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, anthropology and quantum mechanics, she looks at how the nature of the senses inform an individual's view of the world, and how language both reflects and constructs that view.