Victoria Shea - Böcker

This volume, the first in the series, explores the high-functioning group of people within the spectrum of autism disorders. It is the culmination of over a decade of clinical work and research, including the most up-to-date information available about this group at the beginning of the 21st century. The book explores: the history of high-functioning autism; diagnosis of the disorder; assessment; and treatment for the individual and their families. The text is written in a style that is accessible to both seasoned clinicians and concerned lay persons.

This volume is designed to provide an overview of Asperger’s Syndrome/High Functioning Autism for professionals, parents, and others concerned about these conditions. It is part of the library series that has been created for the many people interested in the field of autism spectrum disorders who want up-to-date, authoritative infor- tion without having to locate and read through the original sources. Our goal in this series is to review, synthesize, and organize the inf- mation so that it can be presented comprehensively and clearly. This volume is the culmination of over a decade of clinical work identifying, organizing, writing, and editing the most current infor- tion available about this high functioning group of people with autism spectrum disorders from current reputable sources. The book explores the history and emphasizes the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of these people and their families. We hope that we have done justice to this extensive literature so that it can be of use to these people th- selves as well as to their many friends, colleagues, and families, and to the interested citizens who are seeking more information about this intriguing area of inquiry.

TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren) has grown over the past three decades from a small clinic for children to an internationally recognized treatment and support modality for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorders. In The TEACCH Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders, the program’s founders and their colleagues explain its methods and philosophy based on an understanding and respect for "the culture of autism."The TEACCH program focuses on persons with autism and the development of instruction and supports based on each individual’s skills, interests, and needs. It draws from the research literature in psychology and neuropsychology to create activities and environments that are organized to emphasize meaningfulness—an approach that has proved crucial to an autistic individual’s ability to learn, comprehend, and apply learning across situations.The TEACCH Approach to AutismSpectrum Disorders explains how:- TEACCH targets critical areas in executive functioning, engagement, communication, and social skills.- Strategies can be tailored to an individual’s unique developmental and functional level.- Parents become involved in all phases of intervention as collaborators, cotherapists, and advocates.- The program can be introduced and adapted for individuals of all ages, from preschool children to adults.- Professionals can be trained in the program and its methods.This progressive program offers individuals with autism, their families, teachers, and therapists both optimism and useful strategies, without minimizing the condition or its effects. All clinicians working with people with autism will find The TEACCH Approach to Autistic Spectrum Disorders a valuable resource.