Exploring The Spectrum Of Autism And Pervasive Developmental Disorders

This book is a resource for therapists, teachers, and parents who are interested in learning more about the spectrum of autism and appropriate intervention strategies. It provides a holistic view of autistic spectrum disorders and the children who experience them.

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? Following on from the popular provocative first edition, the Second Edition answers these questions with the latest research on autistic spectrum disorders, exploring theories at the psychological, neurobiological and ′first cause′ levels to methods of assessment, intervention, education and support. Already popular as an introductory text for those wanting to know more about autism as well as a source of basic information and references for those familiar with the field, this newly updated and enhanced book is invaluable for students, professionals and even families.

This handbook provides a substantive foundation of autism theory and research, including a comprehensive overview, conceptualization, and history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). This robust reference work integrates the broad scholarly base of literature coupled with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment. Its expert contributors examine findings and controversies (e.g., the actual prevalence of autism) as well as longstanding topics of interest as well as emerging issues from around the globe. In addition, the handbook describes multiple assessments, diagnoses, interventions and treatments for autism and PDD. It addresses such key topics as assessment of core symptoms and comorbidities, risk factors, epidemiology, diagnostic systems, neuroscience as well as issues regarding family adaptation. In addition, the handbook explores the rapidly evolving and expanding topics of medications, diets, fringe and harmful treatments, applied behavior analysis, and early intensive behavioral interventions. Key areas of coverage include: Survey of diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies for autism and pervasive developmental disorder. Genetic, behavioral, biopsychosocial, and cognitive models of autism assessment and treatment. Psychiatric disorders in individuals with ASD. Theory of mind and facial recognition in persons with autism. Diagnostic instruments for assessing core features and challenging behaviors in autism and PDD. Evidence-based psychosocial, pharmacological, and integrative treatments for autism and other developmental disabilities. Interventions specifically for adults with ASD. Training issues for professionals, parents, and other caregivers of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Review of findings of successful and promising therapies coupled with guidance on how to distinguish between dubious and effective treatments for autism and PDD. The handbook is an indispensable resource for researchers, professors, graduate students as well as clinicians, therapists, and other practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, social work, special education, behavioral rehabilitation, pediatric medicine, developmental psychology, and all allied disciplines.

The second edition of the benchmark reference Since its first edition, this handbook has become the most influential reference work in the field of autism and related conditions. Now expanded to two volumes, this comprehensive work provides a thorough review of these disorders, drawing on findings and clinical experience from a number of related disciplines. The Second Edition covers all current treatment models, and is updated to include new methods for screening and assessment, genetic components, and school-based interventions. All chapters have been thoroughly updated; two-thirds of chapters are entirely new to this edition. VolumeTwo includes the newest, most authoritative information available on assessment, interventions, and policy ramifications surrounding pervasive developmental disorders.

Autism Interventions provides the most current assessment and intervention techniques, based on best practice and up_]to_]date research, for children on the Autism Spectrum. This practical and valuable tool offers holistic, dynamic, and effective intervention strategies and treatment plans to improve the functioning of individuals with autism. Written by highly acclaimed occupational, physical and speech_] language therapists, researchers, and educational and behavioral specialists, it is a valuable text and clinical reference for all parents and professionals working with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therapists, teachers, psychologists, other professionals and parents, will find it easy_] to_]read and loaded with valuable treatment techniques: Sensory Processing _] chapters dedicated to sensory issues in autism and their impact on skill development, function, interaction and engagement. Included are modulation disorders, sensory discrimination disorders, postural disorders and dyspraxia; and resulting problems and their interventions. Communication strategies _] including interventions to foster speech and communication; empowering the child to interact with others; develop social skills and friendships. Motor control, coordination and motor planning . chapters aimed at developing ever increasing skills to aid in the acquisition of functional skills required for self_]care; independence within the classroom and educational environment; and engagement in leisure time activities. Oral_]motor and feeding issues commonly seen with children with an ASD are addressed within a separate chapter and include extensive intervention strategies. Behavioral strategies . aimed at analyzing the function the behavior serves, facilitating positive outcomes and managing challenging behaviors across all environments. Educational strategies . addresses the foundational needs of the student with an ASD. Provided are the latest educational strategies,

Produced in conjunction with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), Australia’s largest provider of services with people on the autism spectrum, this new text explores the experiences, needs and aspirations of adults on the spectrum. The volume utilises the structure of a recent survey (the only one of its type in Australia and one of few conducted internationally) and presents data from the study with contributions from adults on the spectrum to illustrate the findings with first person accounts and case studies. By drawing on these unique experiences, this valuable resource is presented in a way that will be both engaging and accessible for a wide range of readers.

Essay from the year 2014 in the subject Health Science, grade: B, Brunel University, language: English, abstract: Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterised by varying degrees of social, imaginative and communicative deficits. ASD includes autism, pervasive developmental disorder, Rett’s disorder and childhood disintegrative disorder. Some argue that ASD is genetic, with de novo mutations, copy number variations and chromosomal abnormalities, influencing an ASD individual’s behaviour. Others argue it may be caused by the environment and specific experiences, such as maternal stress during postpartum and prenatal development, may be the underlying cause. This essay will explore these arguments, looking at twin studies, at broader phenotype and at prenatal/postpartum development, specifically in relational to maternal stress. It will conclude that ASD is not solely genetic, but can also be influenced by environmental factors.

Synthesizing an explosion of recent research, this book presents dramatic advances in understanding and treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in very young children. Leading authorities describe the innovative tools and methods that are enabling clinicians to more effectively identify 0- to 5-year-olds with the disorder and those at risk for related problems. Chapters discuss the early core symptoms and co-occurring characteristics of ASD, the best diagnostic instruments, and lessons learned from large-scale screening and surveillance, including sibling studies. The book reviews evidence-based interventions and explores practical issues in treatment of young children and their families.