Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder describes a group of developmental disorders. It is now called a spectrum because people with ASD can experience a wide range of different symptoms and behaviors. This informative book introduces readers to ASD with straightforward text that simplifies complex concepts into age-appropriate language. Full-color photographs and fact boxes highlight important information. This accessible book will be helpful for readers who have been diagnosed with ASD, or who have loved ones with ASD.

Annotation Quick reference--question and answer format gives readers easy access to the materialAppeals to a wide base of readers, including parents and family members, medical and paramedical professionals, teachers, social workers and students.

The book's emphasis on types of assessment, genetic testing and counseling, and medical and psychological treatment will be exceedingly useful to health care providers navigating the new diagnostic criteria introduced in DSM-5.

This book focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the criminal justice system. Rather than being the perpetrators of offending behaviour, individuals with ASD are more likely to be the victims of crime. However, there is nevertheless a small subset of individuals with ASD who do offend, and this book provides an in-depth understanding of how certain features of ASD may provide the context of vulnerability to engaging in a number of types of offending behaviours. Chapters focus on arson or fire-setting; cybercrime (e.g., hacking); online sexual offending such as the viewing of indecent child imagery; offline sexual offending; violent crime; stalking; terroristic behaviour (including radicalisation and extremism); bestiality or zoophilia; and also extreme violence such as mass shooting and serial homicide. This book also outlines the ways in which a defendant with ASD may present in court and how they may exhibit behaviour which could be misinterpreted and perceived negatively, leading to an unfair trial. Lastly, it discusses the need to identify the impact that ASD can have on the capacity to form the requisite criminal intent and offers appropriate court adaptions to support individuals with ASD during court proceedings. This book is ideal for criminal defence lawyers and practitioners in psychology, psychiatry, and social work as well as policy makers and reformers.

Friendly, accessible guidance for parents of autistic children and people caring for autistic adults Autism affects more than 1 million children and adults in the United States, and parents may be confused by the behavior of autistic children. This book provides help-and hope-by explaining the differences between various types of autism and delivering the lowdown on behavioral, educational, medical, other interventions. Featuring inspiring autism success stories as well as a list of organizations where people who support those with autism can go for additional help, it offers practical advice on how to educate children as well as insights on helping people with autism use their strengths to maximize their potential in life. Stephen Shore, EdD (Brookline MA), serves on the board for several autism spectrum-related organizations and he has written Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome (1-931282-00-5) and edited Ask and Tell: Self Advocacy and Disclosure For People on the Autism Spectrum (1-931282-58-7). Linda G. Rastelli (Middletown, NJ) is a veteran journalist who specializes in health and business. Temple Grandin, PhD (Fort Collins, CO) is the author of the bestselling Thinking in Pictures (0-679-77289-8) and Emergence: Labeled Autistic (0-446-67182-7).

A diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be confusing and overwhelming for all involved, and it can be difficult for parents to know how best to approach the subject with their child. This easy-to-use interactive workbook gives parents the help they need to explain ASDs to their child and provide practical and emotional support following diagnosis. Parents are invited to work through each chapter with their child as they grow older and go through adolescence, encouraging them to talk through how the ASD affects each area of their life, from making friends to problem-solving to planning a career. The information and advice is presented in a clear and positive way to help both parent and child understand more about what the diagnosis means for them. As the workbook is completed an invaluable record of development will be created for parent and child to look back on together. This hands-on workbook is an essential resource for parents and carers looking for guidance on explaining ASDs from diagnosis onwards to children aged 10 and up.

A new understanding of autism spectrum disorder. The experience of autistic people, real-life stories from parents, and suggested therapeutic approaches are brought together in New Ways of Understanding Autism to provide a realistic sense of autism and to build a sense of hope. Co-authors Brigitte Harrisson and Lise St-Charles, along with Governor General–award winning novelist Kim Thúy, present a new understanding of autism spectrum disorder — one that focuses on putting the needs of the autistic person where they should be: at the centre.