Main description:

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 on the autistic spectrum?

From historical information to methods of assessment, and from intervention to education and support, this informative and accessible text explores theories at the psychological, neurobiological and 'first cause' levels. This fully up to date Third Edition answers these questions with a strong practical focus, encompassing the latest research on autistic spectrum disorders. New features include:

Further reading suggestions
Glossary of technical terms
Updated information on autism support services
Personal illustrative examples

Jill Boucher is a retired academic psychologist. Her most recent post was Professor of Developmental Psychology at City, University of London.

Contents:

Part I: What is Autism?
Chapter 1: Historical Background
Chapter 2: Current Concept and Definition
Chapter 3: The Fuller Picture: Shared Characteristics
Chapter 4: The Fuller Picture: Sources of Diversity
Chapter 5: Facts and Figures: Epidemiology and Lifespan Development
Part II: What Causes Autism?
Chapter 6: A Framework for Explaining Autism
Chapter 7: Root Causes
Chapter 8: Brain Bases
Chapter 9: Proximal Causes 1: Diagnostic Behaviours
Chapter 10: Proximal Causes 2: Additional Shared Characteristics and Major Specifiers
Part III: Practical Issues
Chapter 11: Assessment, Diagnosis and Screening
Chapter 12: Intervention
Chapter 13: Care