'The author of this excellent new book states in the preface that she intended to "provide an account of autism that people with little or no specialist knowledge will find comprehensible and digestible, but which at the same time offers more advanced readers a clear summary of existing knowledge". In my opinion, she has achieved her stated goal, in a most impressive volume which does justice to the complexity of the subject covered, without being over-long or alienating the less knowledgeable reader. This is no mean feat, as the book covers topics as disparate as the potential genetic cause of autism and the principle of inclusive care as applied to people with autism. The result is a handbook which I would have no hesitation in recommending to an intelligent parent of a child with autism, a teacher, and undergraduate student or a clinical trainee. In fact, I feel that this book has something to offer even a supposed "expert" in the study of autism since it so neatly synthesises historic and current understanding of the condition... a thoughtfully written book, which makes a modern, through and readable account of a complex and intriguing condition' - Autism 'This is an authoritative, accessible and original approach to our current understanding of autistic spectrum disorders' - Rita Jordan PhD, Emeritus Professor in Autism Studies, University of Birmingham 'Jill Boucher is a leading academic and clinician who brings an individual and authoritative perspective to the autism field. In this book she does an excellent job of communicating a broad range of practical as well as theoretical issues to a general audience, making up-to-date information about this puzzling condition accessible to a wide readership. Boucher's book is a welcome and unique addition to the literature' - Tony Charman, Professor of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University College of London What are the historical foundations of autism and what precisely is meant by the 'autistic spectrum'? How can we explain behavioural patterns of people with autism, young or old, and what are the major theoretical bases for understanding these? What is the latest thinking regarding diagnosis, and what are the most effective strategies for assessment, education and care for people with this condition? This provocative new text sets out to answer these questions. It charts developments in understanding the nature and causes of autistic spectrum disorders, guiding students through theories at the psychological, neurobiological and 'first cause' levels to methods of assessment, intervention, education and support. Written as an introductory text for those with little prior knowledge of autism but also as a source of basic information and references for those already familiar with the field, this book will be invaluable for a broad range of vocational and academic students and for parents and professionals who want an account of current facts and theories. Jill Boucher is Professor in the Autism Research Unit at City University and Honorary Professor of Psychology at Warwick University.

'Authoritative, compassionate and commonsensical . . . an honest, sensitive and thorough introduction to understanding and living with autism . . . highly recommended.' - Psychological Medicine 'Packed with down to earth, practical ideas . . . readable, interesting . . . informative . . . if you buy only one title about autism this year it should be this one.' - Collette Dritte, Nursery World Over 500,000 people of all ages in the UK have disorders in the autistic spectrum. About one-third also have varying degrees of learning difficulty. All have impairment of social interaction, communication and imagination - the world appears a bewildering and sometimes frightening place. This acclaimed, authoritative guide explains how people with autism experience the world and why they need an organized, structured environment, presenting a window into the world of those with the disorder. Wing suggests ways of improving communication, developing abilities and widening social interaction, and how to cope with stresses within the family.

In clear and concise language this guide describes the techniques parents can use to help their autistic child navigate life's daily routines and challenges. Focusing on 45 easy-to-understand behavioral tasks, this workbook gives parents and other caregivers specific tools.

Certain characteristics of autism, such as difficulty understanding social cues, may make women vulnerable to potentially dangerous situations. Robyn Steward has written this supportive guide to help all women on the autistic spectrum live independently, make their own choices in life, and be safe whilst doing so. This book will provide you with the knowledge to recognise potential risks to your personal safety and the skills and strategies required to avoid and overcome them. Informed by a survey of, and interviews with, women on and off the autistic spectrum, it explores common safety issues encountered by women and offers practical advice to help you stay safe and supported in your independence. Topics covered include friendships, relationships and sex, alcohol and drugs, money and employment and staying safe outside the home and online. This handbook is your guide to super safe living as an independent woman and will help you to stay safe whilst living life to the full. It may also be of interest to your family, friends and carers, giving them insight into life on the spectrum and confidence that you will enjoy your independence in an informed and safe manner.

The Second Edition of Educating Students on the Autistic Spectrum considers the individual with autism, and offers tried and tested approaches that have worked, giving background information on autism and its impact on the learner. In this new edition, Martin Hanbury has added more information on sensory issues, an increasingly holistic view of the student with autism, new ideas for curriculum planning in mainstream settings, advice on multi-professional working, and guidance on developing positive working relationships with parents and care-givers.

Psychodynamic Art Therapy Practice with People on the Autistic Spectrum offers a valuable counterbalance to the phenomenological, cognitive and behavioural theories that currently prevail in the wider field of practice and research. The result of a decade of work by a group of highly experienced art therapists, this book presents eight frank and compelling accounts of art therapy with either adults or children with autism, supported by a discussion of the relevant theory. The book begins with an overview of the theoretical context and the subsequent chapters give varied accounts of practitioners’ experiences structured in a loose developmental arc, reflecting issues that may arise in different settings and at various stages of therapy. Each is followed by an afterword which describes the author’s reflections in the light of their subsequent knowledge and experience. The conclusion brings together some of the common threads arising from their encounters and considers how these might be relevant to current and continuing art therapy practice in the field of autism. Psychodynamic Art Therapy Practice with People on the Autistic Spectrum is a thoughtful consideration of where art therapy meets autism and the particular challenges that arise in the encounter between the autistic client and the therapist. Presenting honest reflections arising from lived encounters and highlighting general principles and experiences, this book aims to orient other practitioners who work with people on the autistic spectrum, in particular art therapists and art therapy trainees.

′The reader can gain a good overall understanding of autism and the issues which arise in teaching and learning across the spectrum but can also focus on and apply sections of the book which are specific to his or her own situation. I feel that this book is relevant to all school staff involved in educational planning for children who have autistic spectrum disorders′ - REACH `The reader will be left feeling challenged to rethink the learning experience of the child with ASD in their class, more clearly attuned to the child′s voice and with an armful of ideas to try out in the classroom′ - TES Website Are you looking for caring and creative ways to support pupils on the Autistic Spectrum? By encouraging everyone to view the triad of impairment as a triad of opportunity, this book gives the reader guidance on how to become an autism-friendly professional. With chapters on structuring a meaningful classroom, understanding and improving behaviour, and looking at transition through the eyes of pupils on the spectrum, the book provides valuable insights gained from the author′s many years of practice The book includes: - visual resources for supporting learning and behaviour - photocopiable activities for staff training excercises - practical ideas to try out in your setting - case studies to illustrate best practice - answers to frequently asked questions. This is an essential read for all teachers in mainstream and special schools, and everyone who supports pupils on the autistic spectrum.

Recent research has shown that art therapy can be particularly effective for children with autism and related communication disorders. The extensive range of symptoms experienced by autistic people makes them extremely individual in presentation, so any treatment used must be tailored to a range of varying needs. Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum presents a new model of practice, which primarily focuses on communication difficulties. The authors describe how negative behaviours and subsequent tension may be alleviated when the autistic child is involved in interactive art making with the therapist. The book is divided into three parts: the first part explores art making processes and art work, with an emphasis on how art can be specifically communicative. A history of autism is presented within the therapeutic context. The second part challenges existing methods of practice within art therapy and considers the most appropriate approaches to treating autistic children. The last part discusses research that lead to the formulation of this specific model - methodology and assessment interventions are analysed, as well as the ongoing development of appropriate assessment instruments. Case studies of art therapy with individual autistic children demonstrate the use of the model and the outcomes. Throughout the book, it is emphasised how art therapy works as an integral part of overall management and treatment approaches to autism. It will be of particular interest to all those professionals working with autistic children and specialists in other communication disorders.

This book explains ways to open up the curriculum to pupils who have autistic spectrum disorders. The particular difficulties experienced by pupils are discussed in direct relation to specific areas of the curriculum, including: core and foundation subjects, PSHE, citizenship and broader aspects such as break times and assemblies. The authors show the reader how structured teaching can enable pupils with ASD to access the curriculum in a meaningful way and offer many practical strategies to facilitate this process. This book will benefit those on specialist autism courses, all providers of autism-specific training and the many teachers and teaching assistants working with autistic pupils who are asking for this guidance.

Impeccably researched and written by a nationally known team of specialists from neurodevelopmental pediatrics, psychology, epidemiology, education, occupational therapy, and speech therapy backgrounds, Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Children presents a multidisciplinary profile of autism and pervasive developmental disorders in children. Tracing the history of autism and tracking the latest research on its causation and neurological basis, this volume offers both traditional medical and complementary and alternative medicine approaches-as well as reliable methods for assessing treatment efficacy.