Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Recent Advances and Innovations in Assessment, Education, and Intervention

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a relatively new diagnostic label which reflects the variability and differentiation of symptomatology among children and youth commonly described as having autistic disorder, high-functioning autism (HFA), and Asperger's syndrome. Current best practices have emerged from decades of evidence-based research, research-to-practice translation of empirically supported procedures, and consensus-driven recommendations from multiple disciplines. As a result, practitioners have many educational and intervention choices for children and youth with ASD: what is critical is that these options are informed by empirical outcomes that have been replicated in experimental trials (group and single-case) and disseminated to professionals and researchers alike.

Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a state-of-the-art volume of 15 chapters across four thematic sections that reflect the current convention of viewing autism along a continuum of presenting symptoms. Skilfully edited by James K. Luiselli, sections cover diagnosis, assessment, and measurement; evidence-based practices; health and development; and additional topics such as mindful caregiving and support, CBT, and behavioural family intervention.

Compiling the most up-to-date advances in approaches toward diagnosis, education, treatment, and program development, Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) will be a valuable resource for professionals and trainees in the ASD field including psychologists, educators, therapists, behaviour analysts, and similar practitioners. It is also appropriate for academic researchers and courses devoted to clinical psychology, special education, developmental disabilities, and special topics.

Table of Contents

Preface

About the Editor

Contributors

Section I: Diagnosis, Assessment, and Measurement

1. Conducting Diagnostic Screening and Assessment - Johnny L. Matson, Jennifer S. Beighley, Lindsey W. Williams, and Anna C. May,
2. Co-Morbidity Among Children and Youth with ASD - Nicole Neil, Laura Moum, and Peter Sturmey
3. Progress and Outcome Measurement - Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Jonathan Baker, and Leigh Grannan

Section II: Evidence-Based Practices

4. Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI): Current Status and Future Directions - Linda A. LeBlanc, Natalie A. Parks, and Nicole M. Hanney
5. Computer-Based Instruction - Jeff Sigafoos, Sathiyaprakash Ramdoss, Debora Kagohara, Robert C. Pennington, Giulio E. Lancioni, and Mark F. O'Reilly
6. Naturalistic Approaches to Social Skills Training and Development - Mark F. O'Reilly, Audrey Sorrells, Summer Gainey, Jeff Sigafoos, Giulio E. Lancioni, Russell Lang, Mandy Risploi, and Tonya Davis
7. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) - Ralf W. Schlosser, Jeff Sigafoos, Howard Shane, Rajinder Koul, and Parimala Raghavendra
8. Self-Management and Self-Regulation - Mark R. Dixon and Autumn N. McKeel
9. Pivotal Response Treatment - Lynn Kern Koegel, Brittany Lynn Koegel, Robert L. Koegel, and Ty Vernon
10. Evaluating and Improving Intervention Integrity - Florence D. DiGennaro Reed and Derek D. Reed

Section III: Health and Development

11. Food Selectivity and Refusal - Charles S. Gulotta and Peter A. Girolami
12. Sleep Problems - V. Mark Durand
13. Exercise, Physical Activity, and Sports - James K. Luiselli

Section IV: Additional Topics

14. Mindful Caregiving and Support - Nirbhay N. Singh, Giulio E. Lancioni, Alan S. W. Winton, Judy Singh, Ashvind N. A. Singh, and Angela D. A. Singh
15. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - Robert R. Selles, Danielle Ung, Josh Nadeau, and Eric A. Storch
16. Behavioral Family Intervention - Adel C. Najdowski and Evelyn R. Gould
17. Commentary: Conclusions and Future Directions - James K. Luiselli

Index

"This book provides comprehensive coverage of behavioral approaches to autism services from early intervention to adolescent services, and includes other important material such as screening and diagnosis. James Luiselli's extensive background in the field is apparent. He is a licensed psychologist, certified health service provider, diplomat in behavioral psychology from The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D), an unusual combination. The book fits in that niche between graduate school course work and practitioner training and resource guide. Definitely a keeper."
- Travis Thompson, PhD, Professor and Lecturer, Special Education Program, University of Minnesota