The Green Zone Conversation Book ─ Finding Common Ground in Conversation for Children on the Autism Spectrum

Shaul, a clinical social worker who specializes in autism spectrum disorders and provides workshops on teaching and mental health treatment methods, presents a book for use with children with autism spectrum disorders who have trouble selecting conversational topics of interest to others. It uses a model that helps them create a “green zone” that finds common ground between one person (blue) and another person (yellow) and represents their shared interests. Using worksheets, activities, and illustrations, he explains to children how the green zone changes with each new person; the three zones of talking; typical and unusual interests; questions, compliments, and comments to get into the green zone and the “bright green zone” (topics primarily of interest to the other person); and improving talking in the right zones. The final section, for adults, describes how to help children use the book. Annotation c2015 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)

Joel Shaul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in ASDs. Through his organization, Autism Teaching Strategies, he provides workshops on social skills teaching and mental health treatment 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. He provides clinical and consultation services at The Watson Institute of Sewickley, PA. Joel's website can be found at www.autismteachingstrategies.com.