Sex. Slang. Slumber parties. The preoccupations of adolescents with Asperger syndrome are no different than those of other teens, but they can be much more confusing. The lack of social skills and ability to grasp conversational nuances that characterize AS make adolescence the most difficult life stage. Asperger Syndrome is characterized by a reliance on clear guidelines, and in adolescence the social guidelines become murky and confusing. In Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence, child psychologist Teresa Bolick presents strategies for helping the ten-to-eighteen-year-old achieve happiness and success by maximizing the benefits of AS and minimizing the drawbacks.

Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders develop differently. These differences are usually present in social interaction, communication, and sensory processing, and become visible through a wide variety of behavioral responses that differ from individuals without autism spectrum disorders. Despite significant research efforts, the exact causes of autism spectrum disorders remain poorly understood; however, researchers have gained extensive insights into possible pathomechanisms, even at the molecular level of cells. Many diagnostic criteria have been developed, adapted, and improved. The eight chapters in this book highlight the current state-of-the-art in many areas of autism spectrum disorders. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders and the current knowledge of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Chapter 2 summarizes the diagnostic criteria and procedures and highlights present and upcoming therapeutic strategies. Chapter 3 reviews the adverse events and trauma in people with autism spectrum disorders. Chapters 4 and 5 focus on atypical sensory processing, and Chapter 6 discusses the genetic overlap of autism spectrum disorders with other neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and schizophrenia. Chapter 7 focuses on the contribution of abnormalities in mitochondria, and chapter 8 discusses gut-brain interactions and a potential role for microbiota in autism spectrum disorders. This book is aimed primarily at clinicians and scientists, but many areas will also be of interest to the layperson.

This text presents a comprehensive overview of the psychopathological disorders of childhood and adolescence from a brain-based perspective. Based upon the highly respected Handbook of Pediatric Neuropsychology, this text covers all of the major pediatric disorders described in the DSM-IV-TR, while also offering hard-to-find coverage of childhood cognitive disorders that have not been addressed sufficiently in the DSM and other child psychopathology texts. Each chapter includes the etiology of each disorder (including genetics), its prevalence, clinical presentation, assessment considerations, and evidence-based treatments. Additionally, the volume features all-new material on neuroimaging in diagnosis and a comprehensive, real-life case study for each disorder to enhance student and clinician understanding. Designed for graduate-level courses in child and adolescent psychopathology, this affordable text will also be a convenient resource for clinicians. Key Features: Presents a current, comprehensive overview of pychopathological disorders of childhood and adolescence from a brain-based perspective Includes cognitive disorders in children not well-covered in the DSM and other texts, including traumatic brain injury, seizures, pediatric HIV and other infectious conditions, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and perinatal-related complications Provides comprehensive case studies in each chapter, giving students a real-world understanding of assessment and diagnosis Addresses proposed changes to be included in the DSM-V Covers all-new material on neuroimaging in diagnosis

AutPlay Therapy is a behavioral play-based treatment approach to working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. This innovative new model contains a parent-training component (wherein the therapist trains parents to do directive play therapy interventions in the home) and can be utilized in any setting where children and adolescents with an autism disorder, ADHD, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated. This comprehensive resource outlines the AutPlay Therapy process and offers a breakdown of treatment phases along with numerous assessment materials and over 30 directive play therapy techniques.

The first comprehensive reference resource for all those professionals who encounter neuropsychiatric disorders in the young.

A compelling and compassionate case study approach to a broad range of neuropsychological disorders Neuropsychological Assessment and Intervention for Childhood and Adolescent Disorders focuses on the neuropsychological assessment and evidence-based practices available for assessing and treating children living with the etiological and neurological components of various disorders. Each chapter provides one or more case studies along with helpful background information, assessment results, and recommendations based on assessment data. Bridging science and practice, the book reviews the scientific literature, research on clinical implications, and evidence-based treatment of such disorders as: Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Specific Language Impairment/Dysphasia Autism Spectrum Disorders Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Tourette Syndrome Traumatic Brain Injury Childhood Cancer Epilepsy Cerebrovascular Disease Low Birth Weight Environmental Toxin Exposure Neurotoxins, Pregnancy, and Subsequent Disorders Chromosomal Anomalies Neurocutaneous Disorders Metabolic Disorders Each case study complements the content of each chapter by illustrating how the assessment process can inform intervention efforts for children. In addition, the cases humanize the effects of various disorders and demonstrate the usefulness of neuropsychological information in treatment and intervention planning, especially within children's educational and social contexts.

Since the early 1940s, when first identified as childhood psychosis and autistic psychopathy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has continued to burgeon into a major focus of inquiry and interest among researchers, practitioners, and the public alike. With each passing decade, the number of scholarly articles addressing ASD and related disabilities continues to soar. Today, thousands of papers on autism are published annually across various disciplines and journals, making it challenging – if not impossible – to keep pace with, let alone synthesize, all the latest developments. Based on a solid historical foundation of autism theory and research, the International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders integrates the broad scholarly base of literature with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment. Its expert contributors examine recent findings and controversies (e.g., how prevalent autism actually is), along with longstanding topics of interest as well as emerging issues. Coverage includes: A survey of diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies. Genetic, behavioral, biopsychosocial, and cognitive models. Psychiatric disorders in persons with ASD. Theory of mind and facial recognition. Diagnostic instruments for assessing core features and challenging behaviors. Evidence-based psychosocial, pharmacological, and integrative treatments. Interventions specifically for adults with ASD. Training issues for professionals and parents. A review of findings of successful and promising therapies, coupled with guidance on how to distinguish between dubious and effective treatments. The International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders is an indispensable resource for researchers, professors, graduate students, and allied practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, education, social work, rehabilitation, pediatric medicine, and developmental psychology.