| The field of autism has been growing at an unprecedented rate in recent years. In addition to an actual rise in the number of classic DSM-IV cases, broadened diagnostic criteria have uncovered a wider range of autistic behaviors and ability levels. The third edition of this well-known text continues the mission of its predecessors--to present a comprehensive, readable, up-to-date overview of the field of autism, one that links research, theory, and practice in ways that are accessible to both practitioners and parents. Key features include:
*Neurobiological Research--Comprehensive medical research and treatment chapters provide an understandable overview of neurobiological research and current treatments including when and how medication can be employed as part of a treatment plan.
*Focus on Early Years--Old sections I and III have been combined and a new 3-chapter section on early identification and intervention added.
*Focus on Parents and Families--In addition to a chapter on the evolving role of families, a new chapter addresses family needs during the preschool years.
*Integration of Assessment and Intervention--The chapters on assessment and intervention have been reorganized and more closely integrated in keeping with current thinking about their inter-relatedness.
*Future Directions--Two chapters discuss emerging directions in this exploding field and how to make informed decisions among a variety of approaches.
This book is appropriate for anyone--students, practitioners, or parents--who must provide care for an autistic child.
Autism, as a field, has undergone significant changes since the publication of the previous edition of Autism: Identification, Education, and Treatment. As the fastest growing developmental disability category, the autism spectrum has broadened to include individuals functioning across a wide range of cognitive abilities and behaviors. To highlight the intelligence, sophistication, and contributions to society of many persons on the autism spectrum, as well as to hear from a learned consumer herself, I have invited Dr. Temple Grandin to prepare the Foreword to this edition. Dr. Grandin is Associate Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She is the author of Thinking in Pictures. Her words are unedited and enlightening. |