Facts: Autism

Description

What causes autism? What happens to children with autism when they grow up? Does autism run in families? What kind of educational setting is best?

In collaboration with the National Autistic Society, the authors have discovered the questions on the minds of parents and professionals, and have attempted to answer them.

Autism is a puzzling disorder. It begins in early childhood, and disrupts many aspects of development, leaving the child unable to form social relationships or communicate in the usual way. This fascinating book explains in a clear, straighforward manner what is known about the condition. It also provides helpful information about all the relevant organizations.

Written first and foremost as a guide for parents, but required reading for interested professionals, it covers the recognition and diagnosis of autism, its biological and physiological causes, and the various treatments and educational techniques available. It presents the facts, allowing the reader to take an informed position about children with autism.

Readership: Parents, GPs and other clinicians, therapists, social workers, students of psychology, medicine, psychiatry, and education, and teachers.

Contents

1. Introducing two children with autism

2. How the diagnosis is made

3. Coping with the news

4. What causes autism

5. The brain

6. Psychological problems

7. Intelligence and special talents

8. Education: what can be done?

9. Other therapies

10. Medical treatments

11. Adolescence and adulthood

Appendix 1: International societies and associations for children and adults with autism

Appendix 2: Two systems used by psychiatrists for diagnosing autism

Appendix 3: Some examples of behaviour therapy for specific problems

Recommended further reading

Glossary

Index