Autism and Developmental Disorders

Autism continues to fascinate researchers because it is both debilitating in its effects and complex in its nature and origins. The prevalent theory is that autism is primarily characterised by difficulties in understanding mental concepts, but the contributors to this resource present new and compelling arguments for an alternative theory. Their research points strongly to the idea that autism is primarily a disorder of executive functions, those involved in the control of action and thought. As such, this online title provides a new and controversial perspective on this important question.Less

The book is intended for professionals and researchers involved in education and intervention with children and youth who have autism spectrum disorder. As an edited volume, the book features chapters that address assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation among the ASD population. Specifically, the book looks at recent developments in service delivery, including innovations of established practices as well as emerging strategies and methods that have proven promising. The chapters examine the research literature, discuss procedural implications, and make recommendations for future practice and inquiry.Less

With contributors from a variety of disciplines this online resource presents a critical appraisal of current practice, emphasizing evidence-based procedures. By bringing together a diverse group of authors, the editors have ensured that the vast range of information on interventions for children with autism is thoroughly examined, and that no topic has gone untouched. It is an essential framework for evaluating educational and treatment procedures, selecting those that are most effective, and their evaluating outcome.Less

The RUBI Autism Network has developed and tested a structured parent training manual for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and disruptive behaviors. The manual is based on principles of applied behavior analysis and is designed for therapists to use with parents of children with ASD and co-occurring challenging behaviors, such as tantrums, noncompliance, difficulties with transitions, and aggression. A trained therapist utilizes the manual and parent workbook to guide the parent in applying techniques and tools to help manage the child’s challenging behaviors. The treatment includes 11 Core sessions, 7 Supplemental sessions, a home visit, and follow-up telephone booster sessions. Each of the sessions contains a therapist script, activity sheets, a parent handout, and treatment fidelity checklists. Additionally, accompanying each core session are video vignettes that the therapist uses to demonstrate concepts taught in the session. The videos include 30- to 60-second vignettes demonstrating common parenting mistakes as well as implementation (to varying degrees of success) of the strategies being taught. The treatment is designed to be delivered individually to parents in weekly outpatient visits. Parents are given homework assignments between sessions that focus on applying techniques to specific behaviors.Less

The RUBI Autism Network has developed and tested a structured parent training manual for children with autism spectrum disorder and disruptive behaviors. The manual is based on principles of applied behavior analysis and is designed for therapists to use with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring challenging behaviors, such as tantrums, noncompliance, difficulties with transitions, and aggression. A trained therapist utilizes the manual to guide the parent in applying techniques and tools to help manage the child’s challenging behaviors. The treatment includes 11 Core sessions, 7 Supplemental sessions, a home visit, and follow-up telephone booster sessions. Each of the sessions contains a therapist script, activity sheets, a parent handout, and treatment fidelity checklists. Additionally, accompanying each core session are video vignettes that the therapist uses to demonstrate concepts taught in the session. The videos include 30- to 60-second vignettes demonstrating common parenting mistakes as well as implementation (to varying degrees of success) of the strategies being taught. The treatment manual is designed to be delivered individually to parents in weekly outpatient visits. Parents are given homework assignments between sessions that focus on applying techniques to specific behaviors.Less

This important volume provides a theoretical framework for the usefulness of the stress construct in understanding and treating autism. Contributions by researchers, clinicians, teachers, and persons living with autism illustrate how stress influences the lives of persons with autism; how those touched by autism cope with stress; and how clinicians, teachers, and caregivers can reduce the impact of stress in autism. The title explores how stress contributes to the physiological, psychological, and overt behavioral manifestations of autism. Narratives by individuals with autism, family members, clinicians, and a musician help the reader to understand in a rich and unique way the role and impact stress can have in the life of people living with autism and also highlight creative coping strategies over a lifetime. Clinicians and educators offer a range of intervention and instructional strategies to reduce stress and to prevent or alleviate anxiety and other disruptive responses inherent in autism. This volume's biological, psychological, and social perspectives on stress and autism reflect many modes of inquiry and types of information.Less