Behavioural Concerns and Autistic Spectrum Disorders

John Clements is a UK clinical psychologist in private practice as a behaviour consultant in Benicia, California. Ewa Zarkowska is a chartered clinical psychologist and senior consultant for Applied Psychology Services, Warlingham, Surrey. Both authors have extensive clinical experience with people whose behaviour is challenging.

Behavioral Concerns and Autistic Spectrums Disorders: Explanations and Stratagies for Change is a practical and comprehensive account of how people who attract autism labels can come to behave in ways that give rise to serious concerns in other people and sometimes themselves. The authors identify the range of needs that may be expressed through behaviours that cause concern and provide strategies for addressing both needs and behaviours. Each aspect of need is analysed in detail. General principles for dealing with these needs are presented and in each case a 'tips and hints' section offers more specific help on possible solutions. Included in the appendices are advice on identifying the factors behind a behaviour that causes concern and guidance on how to ensure that support services are delivering what they should. This is a book that will be essential reading for all those working or living with autistic people.

• General introduction. PART 1: PERSPECTIVES UPON THE ISSUES. 1. A view of autism. 2. Beyond autism - understanding human behaviour. PART 2: HELPFUL PRACTICES. 3. Maintaining a safe environment. 4. Understanding. 5. Social relating. 6. Well being. 7. Competence. 8. Obsessions. 9. Sensitivities. 10. Motivation. 11. Responding to behaviour - some additional thoughts. PART 3: MAKING IT HAPPEN. 12. Expectations. 13. Implementation. 14. Service provision issues. Appendix 1: Autism - supporters' help to explore the difficulties. Appendix 2: Identifying factors involved in a behaviour which gives cause for concern. Appendix 3: Constructive behavioural support - service evaluation guide. Resources. Index.