Choosing Effective Support for People on the Autism Spectrum

Matthew Bennet is an Independent Researcher.Emma Goodall is National Co-ordinator – Content & Resources at Positive Partnerships, and Consultant at Healthy Possibilities.Jane Nugent was a qualified Medical Doctor and an experienced University Lecturer in Psychopharmacology, with diverse work experience in rural and remote health settings.

Over the years, appropriate supports for autistic individuals have been vigorously debated. Now, within the pages of this long-awaited guide, individuals, caregivers and professionals have an excellent, trustworthy reference that helps to guide these decisions. Evidence based support and how to find what's right for an individual, has been a treasure marked X, but without the map! This book provides the map and is an essential aid to eliminating potential hurdles along the way-Wenn B. Lawson, PhDAs autism experts on many levels, Dr Goodall, Dr Nugent and Dr Bennett utilise their professional standing and knowledge with the ‘insider experience’ in this long-awaited guide to navigating the minefield of purported autism supports. This book is sequential, logical and easily accessible for anyone who seeks to use current evidence and valuable autistic feedback as the basis for their decision making. In the style of the authors, I award this work a gold star! -Ms Judy Brewer, AO, former Chair Autism CRC and parent advocateThis volume provides a truly comprehensive overview of the range of treatments for individuals with ASD. In doing so it covers both well -established evidence-based treatments, treatments with a small but emerging evidence base, and some treatments with little to no evidence based (past the level of case report/anecdote). The system of rating the evidence available is in support of treatments is extremely helpful and can be used by parents, teachers, and others in making informed decisions about program and treatments. It also includes a summary of medications sometimes used for the treatment of associated problems like anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep as well as other treatment approaches for these conditions. An invaluable guide for students, parents, and teachers this volume provides an extremely helpful overview of the current state of knowledge in treatments for autism -Fred Volkmar MD, Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychology – Yale University School of Medicine and Dorothy Goodwin Family Professor of Special Education, Southern, Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT,USA

• 1.Introduction 2. Strategies Involving Social Interactions 3. Developmental and Behavioural Supports and Programs 4. Assistive Technology 5. Therapeutic Supports Involving Animals 6. Sensory-based Strategies 7. Dietary Programs 8. Physical Activities 9. Music and Art Therapy 10. Psychotropic Medications 11. Cognitive-based Strategies 12. Conclusion and Final Comments Appendix.