This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and one of the world’s leading experts on autism Uta Frith, Professor of Cognitive Development at University College London. Topics that are examined in this extensive conversation are what autism actually is, the reasons behind the increased number of diagnoses over the last few years, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger’s syndrome, mentalizing, brain imaging to research the cognitive and neurobiological bases of autism and more. This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, The Autistic Condition, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter: I. Assessing the Landscape - An autism epidemic? II. Searching for a Definition - Innate vs. conscious understanding III. A Stunning Result - Learning from dolls IV. Looking Inside - Brain-imaging technology and its impact V. Vaccines - Correlation vs. causation VI. Probing the Spectrum - Big and little pictures VII. Gender - A provocative speculation VIII. Ways Forward - Some concrete approaches About Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert in a relaxed and informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website (https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/).

Autism Interventions provides the most current assessment and intervention techniques, based on best practice and up_]to_]date research, for children on the Autism Spectrum. This practical and valuable tool offers holistic, dynamic, and effective intervention strategies and treatment plans to improve the functioning of individuals with autism. Written by highly acclaimed occupational, physical and speech_] language therapists, researchers, and educational and behavioral specialists, it is a valuable text and clinical reference for all parents and professionals working with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therapists, teachers, psychologists, other professionals and parents, will find it easy_] to_]read and loaded with valuable treatment techniques: Sensory Processing _] chapters dedicated to sensory issues in autism and their impact on skill development, function, interaction and engagement. Included are modulation disorders, sensory discrimination disorders, postural disorders and dyspraxia; and resulting problems and their interventions. Communication strategies _] including interventions to foster speech and communication; empowering the child to interact with others; develop social skills and friendships. Motor control, coordination and motor planning . chapters aimed at developing ever increasing skills to aid in the acquisition of functional skills required for self_]care; independence within the classroom and educational environment; and engagement in leisure time activities. Oral_]motor and feeding issues commonly seen with children with an ASD are addressed within a separate chapter and include extensive intervention strategies. Behavioral strategies . aimed at analyzing the function the behavior serves, facilitating positive outcomes and managing challenging behaviors across all environments. Educational strategies . addresses the foundational needs of the student with an ASD. Provided are the latest educational strategies,

When Elizabeth Barnes discovered that her son was on the autism spectrum she realized she had a lot to learn. She also discovered a talent for finding fun ways to teach her son about his autism through his own interests. One of those interests, which she shared, was Star Trek.Barnes writes with empathy and experience about raising a child on the autism spectrum, and the challenges they can face in understanding their own and others' behavior. The various Star Trek episodes and characters provide perfect settings to better understand a wide range of behaviors and interactions, while entertaining both parent and child. Topics in the book include learning to read facial expressions and character intent, or understanding character responses which those on the autism spectrum may recognise in themselves. Broader themes in the book include exploring communication, bullying, anxiety, acceptance, and intense interests. Each is illustrated with examples from the TV series, and include suggested questions or items to consider.Star Trek fans will learn about how it feels to see the world from an autistic perspective, and find new facets and ways to view the shows they love, while autistics, friends, loved ones, and parents of children on the autism spectrum will find new ways to better understand autism and spend enjoyable time together. Make it so.

Young children with autism have particular difficulty in understanding and controlling their emotions, especially when those emotions are negative. This practical manual for professionals provides a set of simple strategies to help children with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome who suffer from mood difficulties to decrease negative feelings and increase positive feelings in daily life. Using a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, The Stress and Anger Management Program (STAMP) is designed specifically for young children in their pre-school and early school years. The book outlines a 9-session group program using methods, games and activities that are developmentally appropriate. Treatment components include affective education, cognitive restructuring, social and group stories, and the emotional toolbox. The group therapy can be tailored for individual therapy when needed. A parental component is also included to support practice at home and promote generalization outside of the classroom or therapy setting. This is a dynamic and effective resource for professionals working with young children with autism spectrum disorders including teachers, guidance counselors, psychologists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Savant and splinter skills are seen in memory, art, music or spatial skill amongst others. They can appear remarkable, but tend to be seen as 'obsessive' behaviors. Exploring Giftedness and Autism is based on a unique study which introduces and explores a differentiated curriculum and presents a combination of strategies employed in the education of gifted children and autistic children. Providing insights on the obsessive nature of savant skills, the challenging behaviors of savants and the familial link between the subject child’s savant abilities and giftedness, the author highlights how the inclusion of this curriculum is critical in promoting better school performance and post-school employment opportunities. The study has demonstrated the importance of using a ‘strengths’ rather than a ‘deficits’ approach in the education of students with a disability, and regards autistic savants as gifted students with disabilities, or as ‘twice-exceptional’ students with autism. With a practical section dedicated to putting the research into practice this book is an incredibly important read for anyone working with gifted young people with disabilities in the classroom.

*Highly Commended in the Popular Medicine Category of the 2011 BMA Medical Book Awards*The Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century is the definitive guide to the autism spectrum, introducing the reader to key concepts and developments in diagnosis, psychological and biological research, theoretical models, evidence-based intervention, educational strategies and family issues. The book charts how developments in theory, research and practice have shaped, and continue to shape, the evolving concept of autism which is at the core of this field.The book explores:� Diagnostic principles and practice and their implications for prevalence� Psychological functioning in autism, including sensory-perceptual, cognitive and socio-cognitive processes� Genetics and brain function in autism, and the neurobiological basis for autism spectrum conditions� The range of therapeutic approaches available, including behavioural, communication-based and 'biological' interventions and their evidence base � Educational implications, the options for individuals and families and the issue of inclusion� How autism affects the family unit� Overarching issues and challenges for research, practice and peopleThe Autism Spectrum in the 21st Century is essential reading for anyone personally or professionally interested in the autism spectrum, such as individuals on the spectrum and their families, students and researchers, clinical practitioners, teachers, social workers and healthcare professionals.

It seems that nearly everyone knows a family with an autism spectrum child. Most recent figures suggest that the prevalence of all autism spectrum disorders in the United States is an astonishing 1% of the population in the United States, translating to twelve million parents and grandparents that are seeking answers. There are many books available on how to cure an autistic preschooler, but none on how to raise one to adulthood. These promised cures raise parents' hopes, but most parents will find that they are dealing with a lifelong challenge no matter what they do. Dr. Laura Hendrickson is a trained psychiatrist, biblical counselor—and the mother of an autistic child. She understands the struggles parents face as they try to communicate with their autism spectrum child and manage behavior challenges. With an approach that is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges those caring for autism spectrum children face, Finding Your Child's Way on theAutism Spectrum gives the reader sound, practical tools for understanding how to guide an autism spectrum child to function more fully as the person God created them to be.