helping adults help kids through my writing
I also use writing to help adults learn how to use and embrace a positive, thoughtful communication style. I was honored to co-author a book with Michelle Garcia Winner, wrote Co-Regulation Handbook, Declarative Language Handbook and have published several articles in magazines including Autism Spectrum Quarterly and Autism Asperger's Digest.
My Books
Co-Regulation Handbook: Creating Competent, Authentic Roles for Kids with Social Learning Differences, So We All Stay Positively Connected Through the Ups and Downs of Learning by Linda K. Murphy
Do you know a child who struggles to get started with things or who resists trying something new? Maybe they argue or have trouble joining other kids in conversation and play. Do you hear yourself prompting your child again and again? Do you feel frustrated or stuck, and long for a better way - a more positive way - to engage your child while guiding them toward independence? This book was written for parents, caregivers, professionals and more - to guide you on how to move away from prompting and prodding kids - and toward authentic connections and competent roles. You'll learn how to create a positive learning environment for everyone, and feel empowered as you thoughtfully expand roles and responsibilities.
Declarative Language Handbook: Using a Thoughtful Language Style to Help Kids with Social Learning Challenges Feel Competent, Connected and Understood by Linda K. Murphy
Do you know a child that struggles to be flexible? Is it hard for them to express their emotions calmly using language - often getting upset instead? They might also have trouble making friends or telling you what they did during the day. These skills are needed in life! Wouldn't it be great if there was a way that you could support growth in these areas that was woven into everyday interactions and social opportunities? That is what this book is about. It's to help you, the person who cares deeply about someone with these challenges, use everyday moments to teach and guide your child's social development. You might be a therapist or a teacher,or you might be a parent, grandparent, or babysitter. This book was written to help you feel equipped to make a difference, simply by being mindful of your own communication and speaking style. What you say, and how you say it, matters!
![Social Thinking and Me Two Book Set[1].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a8a1366b0786967f145012e/1583355988496-EYK78UDC45QOS1KNRXH8/Social+Thinking+and+Me+Two+Book+Set%5B1%5D.png)
Social Thinking and Me by Michelle Garcia Winner and Linda K. Murphy
Social Thinking and Me is a powerhouse of social knowledge to help children in upper elementary and middle school transition into the more socially-complex and socially-demanding older grades and become stronger social problem solvers. It gives teachers, administrators, students, and parents a common language to more easily discuss social strengths and weaknesses.
Other Publications
An important note about my articles
The one thing I love about my field, is that I am continually learning – about so many things. When I first started sharing what I had learned about the importance of declarative language and co-regulation, the language used to talk about autism was different. Although I used terms that were accepted at the time, I have since learned that language, such as “child with autism”, “autism spectrum disorder” and “ASD”, is hurtful to the people I was trying to help. I’m not able to change my wording in articles previously published in Autism Spectrum Quarterly and Autism Asperger’s Sensory Digest. But, I am sorry for any harm that my words caused, or continues to cause as these articles are read and shared. Now that I know better, I will do better.
I’d also like to credit Marge Blanc, MA, CCC-SLP for being a role model to me in how to be accountable in this way.