Autism & Asperger Syndrome The Facts

Following on from the highly successful book Autism: The Facts, this new volume by Simon Baron-Cohen summarises the current understanding of the autistic spectrum, from Asperger syndrome to autism. Written first and foremost as a guide for parents, but what is also certain to become required reading for interested professionals, the book covers what we have learnt to date about the brain, genetics, and interventions for autism spectrum disorders. It also provides an overview of diagnosis of these conditions, their biological and physiological causes, and the various treatments and educational techniques available.

Taking a lifespan approach, Professor Baron-Cohen considers how the conditions affect very young children through to adulthood. He also outlines his new unified psychological theory of the autistic spectrum; Empathizing-Systemizing (ES) theory; aiming to explain the psychological features of autistic spectrum conditions.

Firstly for people with these conditions and their families the book will be useful to clinicians, teachers, and other professionals involved in the care and support of people on the autistic spectrum.

Features:

• Includes Key Points boxes at the start of each chapter to quickly summarise important concepts covered in text
• Case Histories and Patient Perspectives provide practical examples throughout the text
• Myth and Fact boxes highlight common misunderstandings and interesting facts about the condition
• Includes a useful Resources section with suggested further reading and contact information for patient self-help/support groups, along with a glossary of technical terms

Table of Contents

1: Meeting two people on the autistic spectrum

2: The changing prevalence of autism through history

3: Measuring the autistic spectrum

4: Making the diagnosis

5: The psychology of autism and Asperger Syndrome

6: The biology of autism and Asperger Syndrome

7: Intervention, education and treatment

8: Appendix 1: The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): adult version