Just Give Him the Whale!: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism

Paula Kluth, Ph.D., (she/her) is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula's work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education and autism, her professional interests include universal design for learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.Paula is the author or coauthor of 15 other titles including Universal Design Daily, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom (with Dr. Julie Causton), Don't We Already Do Inclusion?: 100 Ideas for Improving Inclusive Schools, and Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (with Dr. Patrick Schwarz). She is also the author of a few books for children, including Coaster, a story of a puppy with wonderful wheels.You can find out more about Paula's work by visiting her web site, www.inclusionrules.com, or by connecting with her on social media (@paulakluth).Check out our spotlight on Paula Kluth! Discover downloadable tip sheets and watch a video Q&A. Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D., is Professor of Diversity in Learning & Teaching for National-Louis University, Chicago. A dynamic author and motivational speaker, Dr. Schwarz is also Chief-Executive Officer of Creative Culture Consulting, LL. His books From Disability to Possibility: The Power of Inclusive Classrooms (Heinemann, 2007; and "Just Give Him the Whale!" 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise and Strengths to Support Students with Autism (2008) have inspired teachers nationwide to reconceptualize inclusion in ways that help all children. Dr. Schwarz's professional focus is furthering education and services that promote the status of individuals with a range of support needs. He works to facilitate successful engagement in carious environments, allowing people to make contributions and develop experiences that are meaningful to them.