This handbook provides a comprehensive review of the numerous factors associated with treatments for children, youth, and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It offers in-depth analysis of evidence-based treatments for young children, providing coverage on interventions within social skills training, school curricula, communication and speech training, and augmentative communication. It also covers treatments for adolescents and adults, including vocational programs, social integration programs, and mental health resources. Chapters also review several popular interventions such as functional behavior analysis, sensory integration therapy, early intensive behavioral interventions (EIBI), and floor time. In addition, the Handbook discusses standards of practice, focusing on ethical issues, review boards, training concerns, and informed consent. Topics featured in the Handbook include: Training for parents of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Treatment of socially reinforced problem behavior. Comorbid challenging behaviors. Post-secondary education supports and programs for adults. The TEACCH Program for people with ASD. Treatment of addiction in adults with ASD. Diet and nutrition based treatments targeted at children with ASD. The Handbook of Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder is a must-have reference for researchers, clinicians/professionals, and graduate students in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, and social work as well as rehabilitation medicine/therapy, behavioral therapy, pediatrics, and educational psychology.

This handbook examines the medical and therapeutic needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the effectiveness of treatments that are delivered through interdisciplinary teams. It analyzes the impact of interdisciplinary teams on assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and implementation and explores how evidence-based treatments can be developed and implemented. Chapters describe the wide-ranging effects of ASD and the challenges individuals and their family members face when seeking treatment. In addition, chapters provide an overview of the comorbidities and related disorders that often accompany ASD, including neurodevelopmental disorders, medical and behavioral problems, and psychopathology. The handbook also discusses the critical importance of caregivers in the treatment team as experts in their child’s strengths, problem areas, and functioning. Topics featured in this handbook include: Legal considerations in interdisciplinary treatments. Ethical considerations in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary teams. Evidence-based interdisciplinary treatment and evaluation considerations. The role of primary care physicians and subspecialty pediatricians within interdisciplinary teams. The impact of school psychologists related to assessment and intervention development. Vocational interventions that promote independence in individuals with ASD. The Handbook of Interdisciplinary Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder is a must-have resource for researchers, clinicians and professionals, and graduate students across such interrelated disciplines as clinical child, school, and developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, social work, rehabilitation medicine/therapy, pediatrics, and special education.

This concise, yet practical handbook will aid in supporting the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of autism, including behavioral therapies, current clinical trials, and emerging pharmaceutical treatments. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterised by disturbance in language, perception, and social skills that affects an estimated 1–2 per 1,000 people worldwide (although the number is as high as 20 per 1000 in the US). While studies have suggested a disturbance in neural metabolism in patients with ADS, the exact cause of the ASD still remains unknown. In 2013, a single indication of ASD, which united several related conditions (ie, classical autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Landau-Kleffner Syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and PDD-NOS), was included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mood Disorders for the first time in order to support more standardized diagnoses.

This book addresses an important and relatively neglected topic in the scientific literature: individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have dealings with the legal system. It examines issues and implications for autistic people, who have a significant risk for engagement with the legal system in some capacity (e.g., witness/bystander, victim, or perpetrator). Key areas of coverage include: Autistic people as victims and perpetrators of criminal activities, including violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and cybercrime. Risks for unlawful behavior in individuals with autism and Asperger's. Legal assessment issues, such as witness protection and postconviction diagnoses. Legal outcomes for autistic people, including case law, prevention, service provisions in correctional settings, and rights and support systems. The Handbook of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Law is an essential, comprehensive resource that explores the risk for unlawful behaviors affecting autistitc people as victims and perpetrators, as well as related issues of assessment and treatment, and outcome. It is a must-have reference for researchers, clinicians/practitioners, and graduate students in psychology, psychiatry, social work, and law, as well as professionals in such related fields, as criminology/criminal justice and the legal system.

Since the early 1940s, when first identified as childhood psychosis and autistic psychopathy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has continued to burgeon into a major focus of inquiry and interest among researchers, practitioners, and the public alike. With each passing decade, the number of scholarly articles addressing ASD and related disabilities continues to soar. Today, thousands of papers on autism are published annually across various disciplines and journals, making it challenging – if not impossible – to keep pace with, let alone synthesize, all the latest developments. Based on a solid historical foundation of autism theory and research, the International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders integrates the broad scholarly base of literature with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment. Its expert contributors examine recent findings and controversies (e.g., how prevalent autism actually is), along with longstanding topics of interest as well as emerging issues. Coverage includes: A survey of diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies. Genetic, behavioral, biopsychosocial, and cognitive models. Psychiatric disorders in persons with ASD. Theory of mind and facial recognition. Diagnostic instruments for assessing core features and challenging behaviors. Evidence-based psychosocial, pharmacological, and integrative treatments. Interventions specifically for adults with ASD. Training issues for professionals and parents. A review of findings of successful and promising therapies, coupled with guidance on how to distinguish between dubious and effective treatments. The International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders is an indispensable resource for researchers, professors, graduate students, and allied practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, education, social work, rehabilitation, pediatric medicine, and developmental psychology.

This handbook offers a theoretical foundation for the adaptation of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. The volume examines current treatments for children with ASD and provides a rationale for why PCIT is considered a strong option to address many of the concerns found within this population of children and families. It presents an overview of PCIT theory, the goals of PCIT, the unique aspects of the treatment, and the exceptional outcomes. The handbook demonstrates the versatility of PCIT in conjunction with standard science-based therapies in addressing specific behavioral problems in this young population. Chapters provide a theoretical basis for PCIT, the empirical evidence for its efficacy, clinical considerations, and training issues. Chapters also offer a selection of case studies that help illustrate how PCIT has been successful in treating children with autism. The handbook concludes by identifying the gaps that need to be addressed by future research. Topics featured in the Handbook include: A clinical description of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. The effects of medication for individuals with ASD. The importance of parent-child interactions in social communication and development. Teaching complex social behavior to children with ASD. Internet-delivered PCIT (I-PCIT) for children with autism. Child-Directed Interaction treatments for children with ASD. Parent-Directed Interaction treatments for children on the autism spectrum. The Handbook of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum is a must-have resource for researchers, professors, clinicians/practitioners/therapists, and graduate students across many interrelated disciplines, including child and school psychology, behavioral therapy, social work, child and adolescent psychiatry, pediatrics, and family studies as well as occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavior analysis, and speech therapy.

Explaining how to diagnose autism by providing examples and guidelines for evaluation and testing of individuals, this guide helps practitioners to evaluate the appropriate role of various medications for specific target symptoms and individuals. It also describes complementary and alternative therapies and explores promising new avenues of treatment.

This practical, accessible text introduces preservice SLPs to 12 evidence-based interventions that improve the communication and social skills of people with autism spectrum disorders. Enhanced with video clips, case studies, and learning activities.

Current rates of autism diagnoses have been cause for concern and research as well as rumor and misinformation. Important questions surround the condition: how early can an accurate diagnosis be made? At what age should intervention start? How can parents recognize warning signs? And what causes autism in the first place? There are no easy answers, but the Handbook of Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders gives researchers, practitioners, and academics the science and guidance to better understand and intervene. Background chapters survey the history of professional understanding of the disorders and the ongoing debate over autism as a single entity or a continuum. Chapters on best methods in screening, assessment, and diagnosis reflect the transition between the DSM-V and older diagnostic criteria. And at the heart of the book, the intervention section ranges from evidence-based strategies for developing core skills to ethical concerns, cultural considerations, and controversial treatments. Included in the Handbook's broad-based coverage: Designing curriculum programs for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Mainstream education for children with ASD. Teaching independent living skills to children with ASD. Social skills and play. Behavioral and mental health disorders in children with ASD. Training and supporting caregivers in evidence-based practices. Teaching cognitive skills to children with ASD. The Handbook of Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders is a comprehensive reference for researchers, professors, and graduate students as well as clinicians and other scientist-practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, social work, rehabilitation, special education, and pediatric medicine.

Parents who find out their child might have autism are overwhelmed with doctors, therapists, and information all at once. It can be difficult for these parents to find the answers they need in a sea of resources, especially for a parent who is not familiar with autism terminology and treatments. This little book is the perfect way to get acquainted with autism and early intervention strategies. It answers questions such as: What is autism? What are the signs of autism? Who is involved in my child's evaluation? What should I expect at the time of diagnosis? What are the goals of early intervention? How do I choose which treatments are right for my child? In addition to Dr. Melmed's compassionate yet practical advice, this book offers easy-to-read charts, a glossary of autism terms, and a comprehensive, annotated list of resources.