Building Interactive Social Communication with Young Children. An Early Intervention Framework for Addressing Autism and Other Developmental Concerns - Hannah H. Schertz;Kathryn Horn;Carl Dunst;Samuel L. Odom;Jessica N. Lester

How can early intervention providers help families support the social communication of young children with developmental needs?

Empower families and transform your practice with the Building Interactive Social Communication (BISC) framework. This research-based approach is designed specifically for children under age 3 who show emerging signs of autism or other developmental concerns. By focusing exclusively on preverbal social communication within the child’s natural environment, BISC helps early intervention providers foster authentic engagement without usurping the essential role of the parent.

Moving beyond highly structured or intensive behavioral models, BISC prioritizes the parent-child relationship as the primary venue for learning. Through a library of video examples and developmentally sequenced implementation guides, providers learn to serve as expert consultants who support caregivers in generating their own original ideas tailored to their family's unique cultural and linguistic preferences. This flexible, family-friendly approach minimizes the burden on caregivers by integrating learning into naturally occurring everyday interactions.

Fully compatible with Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), this book provides a comprehensive framework of 20 units across seven developmentally sequenced topics. Whether you are a developmental generalist or specialist (e.g., speech-language or occupational therapist), this framework provides the practical tools, theoretical rationale, and research grounding needed to strengthen social engagement in very young children.

Key Features of the BISC Framework: