How do families with more than one child with autism manage to cope and do they risk family disintegration or demonstrate resilience? Although there is extensive literature on coping with children with disabilities, no previous study has examined the effect of living with two or more children with autism. Eleven families including parents, siblings, and verbal children with autism, (45 individuals) were interviewed to ascertain their coping strategies. Using Grounded Theory, the semi-structured interview typescripts were analysed, and a theory emerged that all families cope, but they go through different periods of perilous coping and buoyant coping. The various factors which lead to each type of coping are demonstrated, and discussed. Practical suggestions to improve coping are given by the families. Their message to the non autistic world was that they do not want to be pitied. The results showed a remarkable degree of resilience in all the families. Family and extended family were the most significant source of support. Perilous coping was associated with a number of intervening factors. The families showed real warmth and love towards the affected children and in spite of concerns about the future, the non affected siblings were confident they would look after their disabled siblings when the parents were no longer able to do so. Children with autism had a fascinating range of perceptions about autism.

This proposed volume will provide in-depth coverage about a construct known as the broad autism phenotype (BAP).

Families often do not know what to expect when learning of the fact that one of their immediate family members has been diagnosed with Autism. Autism affects the immediate family dynamics the most, and learning how to appropriately cope with a child with Autism is especially important for not only the family members, but for the development of the child as well. This project will provide a handbook with helpful information for all members of the immediate family, including effective coping skills and resources to aid the family and the child.

The research on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is extensive and growing. Although these conditions are recognized as affecting the entire lifespan, the literature on ASD after childhood is limited and has not been brought together in a single volume in over a decade. Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders fills this knowledge gap by focusing on needs and difficulties unique to these stages of development. Expert contributors offer cogent reviews of complex issues, from education to employment, leisure activities to illegal behaviors, mental health issues to medical health concerns. The latest findings in key areas, such as psychosocial and residential treatments, social skills programs, epidemiology, the impact of ASD on families, are examined in detail. Throughout the volume, coverage focuses on areas requiring improved models of assessment, updated data, new interventions and increased support services. Featured topics include: Transition from high school to adulthood for adolescents and young adults with ASD. Innovative programming to support college students with ASD. Romantic relationships, sexuality and ASD. Treatment of mental health comorbidities. Assessment and treatment planning in adults with ASD. The range of outcomes and challenges in middle and later life. Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders is a must-have reference for a wide range of clinicians and practitioners – as well as researchers and graduate students – in clinical child, school and developmental psychology; child and adolescent psychiatry; social work; rehabilitation medicine/therapy; education and general practice/family medicine. It will also serve as an important resource for parents and caregivers with its focus on translating the current state of knowledge relevant to understanding adolescents and adults with ASD into practical and relevant recommendations on how best to support them.

Tony Attwood's guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. Beginning with a chapter on diagnosis, including an assessment test, the book covers all aspects of the syndrome from language to social behaviour and motor clumsiness, concluding with a chapter based on the questions most frequently asked by those who come into contact with individuals with this syndrome. Covering the available literature in full, this guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on Asperger's Syndrome, incorporating case studies from the author's own practical experience as a Clinical Psychologist, with examples of, and numerous quotations from people with Asperger's Syndrome.

An accessible guide to the most recent information about autism The revised and updated second edition of A Practical Guide to Autism offers an authoritative guide to the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder. Written by two highly regarded medical professionals, the book offers parents, family memberts, and teachers a useful review of the concept of autism, its diagnosis, and the most current treatments available. This comprehensive resource covers the range of the condition in infants, young, and school age children, adolescents, and adults. The authors explore evidence-based treatments and review of some of the alternative and complementary treatments proposed for autism. Information on educational programs and entitlement services are also provided. In addition, the book contains information on issues, such as medical care, medication use, safety, behavioral, and mental health problems. The book covers the range of ages and entire spectrum of autism and provides an introduction to the diagnostic concept. With the expanding number of treatments and interventions this book is a useful guide for all those involved in caring for individuals on the autism spectrum. This important guide: Offers lists of resources for parents and professionals compiled by experts in the field and reviewed by parents. Includes updated research that adheres to DSM-5 standards. Provides an accessible resource with succinct content delivery Contains new discussions on modern treatments that have been identified since the publication of the first edition. Written for parents, teachers, and caregivers, A Practical Guide to Autism, Second Edition offers an updated and expanded edition to the practical guide to autism.

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