This completely revised and substantially expanded new edition embraces new developments in this rapidly developing field. Every chapter has been rewritten with the addition of new material, and a new final chapter on `Putting the Pieces Together’ reflects the authors’ conviction that the complexity of autism means that many kinds of information are valuable and need to be taken into account in providing therapy or teaching for children with autism.
Other chapters, updated from the first edition, include a description of the latest information on the findings of brain research (put into the context of the development of the human brain and its effect on communication in early childhood), and the contributions of music therapy and psychoanalysis. A very much enlarged chapter on educational provision for children with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome provides information on the latest methods for improving the learning of these children, to give them the best possible preparation for a life of greater autonomy and maximum self-satisfaction in the pleasure of human company. New appendices summarise medical diagnostic systems, checklists and questionnaires for identifying autism, and the glossary has been considerably expanded. The wealth of up-to-date information provided will be invaluable not only for researchers and students but also for psychologists, teachers and other professionals, and parents, carers and family members in search of comprehensive and helpful information.
Other chapters, updated from the first edition, include a description of the latest information on the findings of brain research (put into the context of the development of the human brain and its effect on communication in early childhood), and the contributions of music therapy and psychoanalysis. A very much enlarged chapter on educational provision for children with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome provides information on the latest methods for improving the learning of these children, to give them the best possible preparation for a life of greater autonomy and maximum self-satisfaction in the pleasure of human company. New appendices summarise medical diagnostic systems, checklists and questionnaires for identifying autism, and the glossary has been considerably expanded. The wealth of up-to-date information provided will be invaluable not only for researchers and students but also for psychologists, teachers and other professionals, and parents, carers and family members in search of comprehensive and helpful information.
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Reviews
The authors make a comprehensive study of autism, balancing theory with practise and presenting a clear picture of what it means to be autistic, and what can be done to improve the capabilities of the autistic child.
Every chapter has been rewritten with the addition of new material and a new final chapter on "putting the pieces together".
In its second, revised edition this book has been expanded and enriched with new up-to-date information, adding to our understanding of issues around autism, its diagnosis and alleviation… Two chapters (12 and 13) vividly explain, through specific examples, effective ways of managing and teaching autistic children. The role of parents in their children's education is emphasised, and liaison with psychological and educational services is viewed as an essential pre-condition for effective and long-lasting support. The value of this book lies in its attempt to provide a unified view of the complex issues involved in autism. Different, complementary themes relating to the genesis and manifestation of the disorder are dealt with systematically in separate sections. In addition the reader can find much useful information in the appendices, including checklists and questionnaires for autism, and internet resources. Overall this is a well-written and accessible book that will be of interest to parents and professionals.
This book sets out to cover an ambitious range of topics. It has been substantially revised since its first edition in 1996 and expanded to incorporate many of the advances in research and practice. The authors acknowledge the notion of 'autistic spectrum disorders'. They promote the need to 'value many kinds of information' and to learn from 'different methods of therapy or teaching'. Those practitioners interested in the more 'non-directive' interventions, such as music therapy and play-based learning, are likely to find some interesting ideas in the text… The over-riding focus on developmental psychology is of value in helping those who support children with autistic spectrum disorders to understand the pervasive nature of the condition and the processes affected. It will update some readers' knowledge of recent advances in developmental psychology, especially those related to early, and more typical, interpersonal and communication patterns found between infants and carers… The chapter entitled 'Education for Autistic Children' has now been substantially revised and provides a comprehensive insight into the range of approaches and promotes early intervention. This chapter may be of value to parents and practitioners and it quite usefully breaks down developmental phases such as pre-school, primary aged children and adolescents.
This is a book packed with information and discourse that looks at all aspects of autism in depth. Each point raised is backed up with references that are taken from the latest research. The reference section must be one of the most comprehensive put together on the subject.