Autism spectrum disorders : characteristics, causes & practical issues / Jill Boucher.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 309-348) and index.

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

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.