The Handbook of Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals / Edition 2

by Maureen Aarons, Tessa Gittens

Overview

This updated edition of the Handbook of Autism explores and expands on the practical and jargon free information of the best-selling first edition. The authors dispel many of the myths surrounding this puzzling and complex disorder. They provide practical information that makes sense, covering both medical and educational issues.
Revised research and new case-studies, including follow-ups to the case-studies featured in the first edition reflect the developments made over the last eight years both in the understanding and management of autism. A list of contacts and services at the back of the book underlines its practical approach.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415160353
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/13/1999
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Maureen Aarons, Tessa Gittens

Table of Contents

Author's note Foreword by Lorna Wing Introduction 1. The Variable Picture of Autism 2. The History of Autism 3. What Causes Autism? 4. Problems of Diagnoses 5. Understanding Autism: Assessing the Autistic Child 6. Practical Considerations - Management and Counselling 7. Speech and Language: Communication Development in Autistic Children 8. Educating Autistic Children 9. Growing up - What lies Beyond? 10. A Postscript - Alternative Treatments and Cures for Autism? Appendices References and Further Reading Index.

Editorial Reviews

Aarons and Gittens are London speech therapists who have taught autistic children for 25 years. Their book is a thorough introduction to autism, covering diagnosis, assessments, history, prognosis, and methods of education. Still, while the background and history are helpful, the intended readership is British. Sections on educational alternatives, British sign language, British education acts, and therapy options in Britain will be of little use to U.S. readers, who need immediate, close-at-hand help. Temple Grandin's Thinking in Pictures (LJ 1/96) and Emergence might be better choices. The McClannahan/Krantz book covers one method of helping autistic children learn: using activity schedules. These schedules teach autistic youngsters to follow words, pictures, or other nonverbal prompts to complete all varieties of tasks. Autistic children, often seen as antisocial, can benefit from a self-motivated plan to complete jobs at home, enjoy leisure time, or simply perform the daily activities of dressing and preparing for school. The book details how to set up activities, relate prompts to action, and follow through so that autistic children can become independent of verbal commands that parents or teachers might give. Illustrated with charts, photos of children, and examples of visual prompts; for larger public libraries.--Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

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