Our Brains Are Like Computers!: Exploring Social Skills and Social Cause and Effect with Children on the Autism Spectrum

This highly visual social skills book uses computer metaphors and visual diagrams to help children on the autism spectrum to understand how their words and actions can affect other people. Easily identifiable computing and social networking metaphors are used to explain how memories are saved in the brain, like files in computer folders, and how, just as files can be shared and downloaded on the internet, people learn about you by sharing their positive and negative impressions with each other. The author explains why certain actions may be 'liked' or 'disliked' by others, and offers guidance on appropriate and inappropriate social behavior. This book also features photocopiable worksheets to reinforce the guidance and lessons offered in the book.

Table of Contents:
Introduction. 1. Part 1: What People's Brains Think About. 2. Part 2: What Computers and Brains Remember. 3. Part 3: The Network of Minds and People's Thoughts About You. 4. Part 4: Exploring Other People's Likes and Dislikes. 5. Part 5: Games and Learning Activities.

About the Author :
Joel Shaul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in ASDs. Through his organization, Autism Teaching Strategies, he provides professional workshops on social skills teaching and effective counseling methods. He is co-creator of Ryuu social skills products and author of The Conversation Train: A Visual Approach to Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum and The Green Zone Conversation Book: Finding Common Ground in Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum. He provides clinical and consultation services at The Watson Institute of Sewickley, PA. Joel's website is autismteachingstrategies.com.

Review :
As a parent of a child with social delays, I found Shaul's visual "computer metaphor" to be an excellent tool in breaking down the complexity of social exchanges. As a professional, I found the games, worksheets, and concrete strategies provided to be extremely helpful in teaching perspective taking and theory of mind. In our computer savvy world, this book is a must read for helping children of all ages gain social insight. Joel is a master in teaching social skills. His latest book helps children with Autism to develop an understanding that everyone has their own take on reality. By likening the brain to a computer and incorporating the clever use of visuals, this book is sure to resonate with those on the spectrum. Deciding on whether to buy it should be a no-brainer! This book is a creative and highly useful way of explaining social thinking to children on the autism spectrum. Once again, Joel has created a very clear, concise, and visual way of reaching the minds of these incredible children!