Autism The Facts

by Baron-Cohen, Simon; Bolton, Patrick

• ISBN13: 9780192623270
• ISBN10: 0192623273
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1994-12-08
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

What causes autism? What happens to children with autism when they grow up? Does autism run in families? What kind of educational setting is best? In collaboration with the National Autistic Society, the authors have discovered the questions on the minds of parents and professionals, and have attempted to answer them. Autism is a puzzling disorder. It begins in early childhood, and disrupts many aspects of development, leaving the child unable to form social relationships or communicate in the usual way. This fascinating book explains in a clear, straighforward manner what is known about the condition. Italso provides helpful information about all the relevant organizations. Written first and foremost as a guide for parents, but required reading for interested professionals, it covers the recognition and diagnosis of autism, its biological and physiological causes, and the various treatments and educational techniques available. It presents the facts, allowing thereader to take an informed position about children with autism.

Table of Contents

Introducing two children with autism	1	(14)
How the diagnosis is made	14	(6)
Coping with the news	20	(6)
What causes autism?	26	(9)
The brain	35	(6)
Psychological problems	41	(11)
Intelligence and special talents	52	(8)
Education: what can be done?	60	(7)
Other therapies	67	(8)
Medical treatments	75	(4)
Adolescence and adulthood	79	(4)
Appendix 1: International societies and associations for children and adults with autism	83	(11)
Appendix 2: Two systems used by psychiatrists for diagnosing autism	94	(4)
Appendix 3: Some examples of behaviour therapy for specific problems	98	(5)
Recommended further reading	103	(1)
Glossary	104	(5)
Index	109