'This book has the power to change lives' Chris Packham Imagine a world where an autistic person is included, engaged and cherished for how they are; a world which changes for autistic people, rather than changing the person. What Works for Autistic Adults brings the conversation about inclusivity into the forefront and turns it on its head. Instead of modifying the autistic individual and making exceptions or special circumstances, Luke shows how the world can, should and must change to accommodate your needs or those of the autistic person you love, live or work with. He identifies the aspects that impact on life most - partners, friends, work or college, and environment - and outlines the steps that can and should be taken by everyone involved to create an autism-friendly landscape and improve outcomes all round. Covering every setting, from social situations to office or other professional environments, and in all circumstances, Luke's book shows how no-one should have to struggle to exist within the parameters of a world they don't understand. What Works for Autistic Adults will give you the dialogue, tools and starting points to involve every loved one, family member or colleague as advocates for a world where you, or any other autistic adult, can truly flourish.

This book will help social workers and practitioners to find achievable solutions to support autistic people - including those with complex needs - to live fulfilling lives in their communities. Far too many autistic people are currently in inappropriate institutional placements, putting their basic human rights at risk and experiencing a poor quality of life. Good quality support for autistic people is achievable, even in a social care system under pressure. This book will help practitioners to develop high quality community support to facilitate discharges and prevent admissions, by providing them with effective, practical strategies to communicate with and more effectively support autistic people right across the spectrum. Common assumptions and beliefs are challenged, including the idea that 'behaviours' are an inevitable part of autism, and practical approaches are offered to promote autonomy, respect for human rights and empathy with autistic perspectives as a basis for preventing distressed behaviour. This will enable practitioners to support and empower all autistic people to achieve a good quality of life in their communities.

Imagine a world where your autistic child is included, engaged and cherished for how they are; a world which changes for autistic children, rather than changing the child. What Works for Autistic Children brings the conversation about inclusivity into the forefront and turns it on its head. Instead of modifying the autistic child and making exceptions or special circumstances, Luke shows you, the parent, how the world can, should and must change to accommodate your child. He identifies the aspects that impact on your child's life most - the family, their school, their friends, their environment - and outlines the steps that can and should be taken by everyone involved to improve their outcome and create an autism-friendly landscape. From early communication, through pre-school, primary school, secondary school - on holidays, school trips and with friends - your child should not have to struggle to exist within the parameters of a world they don't understand. What Works for Autistic Children will give you the dialogue, tools and starting points to involve every professional and family member as advocates for a world where your child flourishes.

There are many people who experience invisible, and often undiagnosed, disabilities and conditions which affect their everyday lives. On the surface, it might not be immediately obvious that someone perhaps has a different way of thinking, experiencing or processing the world around them. Having an invisible disability usually means that it is difficult to provide concrete, visible evidence for it and it can be perceived as ‘not real’ by other people. Indeed, some individuals can often be made to feel they are not good enough, and may end up masking or hiding their difficulties in order to just get by in day-to-day life without being judged. In this collection, we introduce and educate Young Minds about a range of “invisible” conditions, for example mental health conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, autism, chronic pain conditions, intellectual disabilities, stuttering, and many others. We also highlight some of the wider challenges faced within society, such as the lack of understanding from other people, and discuss how Young Minds can potentially support their friends and family who might be experiencing some of these disabilities or conditions. This collection covers what Young Minds could learn about what it means to have an invisible condition and how it can impact on relationships, education, thinking, communication, emotions, behaviours, and generally navigating everyday life. Further, some people might be unwilling to seek help and share their concerns with others, because they are worried that others don’t really understand what life is like for them. We hope that this collection helps those without an invisible condition to think carefully about how they can make the world a more supportive and inclusive place for everyone.

Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms is a touching view of an inspirational residential care program for autistic adolescents and adults. This compelling book focuses on adult autism treated through the concepts used at Bittersweet Farms, an 80-acre farm in northwest Ohio. Through historical rationale for a therapeutic community, a comparison between the Bittersweet Farms model and treatment settings in the United Kingdom, specific treatments and training programs at Bittersweet Farms, and staff, parent, and resident viewpoints, the innovative program--based on the premise that adults with autism continue to need special care and training throughout their lives--is brought to life. Divided into three sections, Autistic Adults at Bittersweet Farms returns repeatedly to the concept behind the program--molding autistic adults into contributing members of society in their own ways. Section One includes a potpourri of information, giving a glimpse of the range of models available for treatment and what makes each program a success. Taking a closer look at program considerations within various community settings, the second section examines behavior modification techniques in training autistic children and educating their parents. As politics play an important role in developing an innovative care program like Bittersweet Farms, the final section delves into regulations and funding for different types of residential care programs. Ending on a very human and optimistic note, section three closes with three personal accounts of life and work at Bittersweet Farms from a staff member, a resident, and a parent, with each praising a different aspect of the total person care environment of Bittersweet Farms. Occupational and physical therapists, policymakers, educators, and parents of autistic children will be encouraged from reading this outstanding book.

Presents guidance for parents of autistic children on understanding an autism diagnosis and deciding on the best course of action for treating and caring for a child with autism or PDD (pervasive developmental disorder).

This research investigates the processes of the identification of Autistic adults, with the view of many seeking a diagnosis being unaware of what the process entails or potential effects so as to make more informed decisions. Additionally, individuals who have been through these processes often do not have a benchmark with which to measure their experiences. This ethical research uses emancipatory and participatory methods, the literature review is rigorous, for example obtaining rare historical documents by Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner, whilst the research is within the framework of autism as a concept and how these have very real consequences for individuals and families to which this pertains. Many participants voiced their feelings of the need for further research particularly in the areas of identity and perception, with recognition that where neurological differences are present there needs to be different approaches to mental health as well as the importance of post-identification support.

Setting out advice, research and personal reflections to inform professionals' daily practice and overall understanding of the lives and experiences of autistic transgender and non-binary people, this edited volume is an invaluable resource for anyone who seeks to engage more with autistic transgender, non-binary or gender-variant people. Aiming to contextualise the overlap of autism and gender variance, this book features chapters by leading authorities such as Wenn Lawson, Damian Milton, Isabelle Hénault, Reubs Walsh, Lydia X. Z. Brown, and Shain Neumeier as well as other contributors from around the world. The collection is structured in three sections; the first provides interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches on autism and gender as well as the experiences of transgender and non-binary autistic people; the second features professionals discussing their work, the challenges they face and the solutions they find helpful; and the final section presents thoughts and perspectives from trans and non-binary autistic people on various aspects of their experiences, focusing on information that professionals will need to consider and discuss with the people they support. Combining rich and nuanced accounts of the lives of autistic trans people, practical guidance and information as well as the latest academic research about autistic transgender and non-binary individuals, this unique collection is essential reading for any professional wanting to develop their daily practice.

An essential guide for any professionals working with autistic children and young adults, this book provides expert insights which need to be considered by professionals, parents and autistic people alike. It covers key themes such as anxiety and wellbeing, transition into adulthood, sexuality, intersectionality, and many more. A unique blend of first-hand experience, parental guidance and professional advice is provided from prominent figures in the autism field to offer you an overview of the important issues of today, to help you understand and better support autistic young people.