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Offering a summary of the current state of knowledge in autism research, Defining Autism looks at the different genetic, neurological and environmental causes of, and contributory factors to autism. It takes a wide-ranging view of developmental and genetic factors, and considers autism's relationship with other conditions such as epilepsy. Shedding light on the vast number of autism-related syndromes which are all too often denied adequate attention, it shows how, whilst autism refers to a single syndrome, it can be understood as many different conditions, with the common factors being biological, rather than behavioral.

With warmth and wisdom informed by her experience as an educator, clinician, and parent of a son on the autism spectrum, Barbara Boroson looks holistically at the challenges students on the spectrum face. More students on the autism spectrum are taught in general education settings today than ever before, bringing an array of notable strengths and skills that add intriguing new dimensions to educational programs. But these students also present challenges that are broader, deeper, and more intractable than those of their typically developing peers. Because reaching and teaching students on the autism spectrum in an inclusive environment complicates the work of teachers, school and district administrators must be prepared to provide knowledgeable, mindful leadership.

Bringing together a collection of narratives from those who are on the autism spectrum whilst also identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual (LGBTQIA), this book explores the intersection of the two spectrums as well as the diverse experiences that come with it. By providing knowledge and advice based on in-depth research and personal accounts, the narratives will be immensely valuable to teenagers, adults, partners and families. The authors round these stories with a discussion of themes across narratives, and implications for the issues discussed.

The Politics of Autism investigates the truths and fictions of public understanding about autism, questioning apparent realities too sensitive or impolitic to challenge. Is there really more autism? How has the count expanded by diagnosing autism over other conditions? Have scientific methods in autism diagnosis gone hand-in-hand with autism increases? Are mild autism cases really a "disorder," rather than personality variant? Can autism be quiescent in childhood but truly first recognizable in adulthood? Why does popular media often portray people with autism as odd geniuses ignoring the kind of autism most have? Readers will see an insider's view of controversies in autism research. Siegel's views, sometimes iconoclastic, always frank and informed, challenge broad unexamined assumptions about our understanding of autism.

This open access book marks the first historical overview of the autism rights branch of the neurodiversity movement, describing the activities and rationales of key leaders in their own words since it organized into a unique community in 1992. The book contains 19 chapters by 21 authors about the forming of the autistic community and neurodiversity movement, progress in their influence on the broader autism community and field, and their possible threshold of the advocacy establishment.

The use of music therapy is long established with people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The combination of using music and relationship work in person-centred approaches supports the three main areas of difficulty people with autism often experience; social interaction, communication and imagination. Current research supports the positive psychological benefits of music therapy when people with autism spectrum conditions engage with music therapy. This book celebrates the richness of music therapy approaches and brings together the voices of practitioners in the UK. With a strong focus on practice-based evidence it showcases clinicians, researchers and educators working in a variety of settings across the lifespan.

Comprised of the accounts of twelve heterosexual couples in which the man is on the Autism Spectrum, this book invites both partners to discuss their own perspectives of different key issues, including anxiety, empathy, employment and socialising. Autism expert Tony Attwood contributes a commentary and a question and answer section for each of the twelve accounts. The first book of its kind to provide perspectives from both sides of a relationship on a variety of different topics, Neurodiverse Relationships is the perfect companion for couples in neurodiverse relationships who are trying to understand one another better.

Autism affects all ethnicities, yet professionals do not always have the skills required to support the diverse needs of autistic young people and their families from different communities. As a result, families from these communities often experience issues in getting a diagnosis, access to educational and social care settings, appropriateness of social skills being taught to children, and misinterpretation of behaviour exhibited by these children, which can also lead to higher rates of exclusions. This innovative book provides professionals with knowledge about the issues faced and equips them with practical strategies to resolve them. Drawing on his extensive experience and research, Perepa combines a comprehensive overview of autism and minority ethnic communities with guidance on how best to support children and young people from these communities. An essential resource for professionals working in our increasingly multicultural society.

Updated for a new era, the 25th anniversary edition of this seminal work on autism and neurodiversity provides "a uniquely fascinating view" (Deborah Tannen, author of You Just Don't Understand) of the differences in our brains.   Originally published in 1995 as an unprecedented look at autism, Grandin writes from the dual perspectives of a scientist and an autistic person to give a report from "the country of autism." Introducing a groundbreaking model which analyzes people based on their patterns of thought, Grandin "charts the differences between her life and the lives of those who think in words" (The Philadelphia Inquirer).   For the new edition, Grandin has written a new afterword addressing recent developments in the study of autism, including new diagnostic criteria, advancements in genetic research, updated tips, insights into working with children and young people with autism, and more.

This book is an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), an early childhood condition that affects 1 in 68 children in the United States, and an estimated 1 to 2 percent of children worldwide. ASD causes impaired social skills, communication problems, and repetitive behaviors. The severity of ASD symptoms varies widely, ranging from mild effects with minimal impacts on functionality to severe effects that interfere with functionality and can prevent independent living. ASD is a complex trait disease caused by mutation of multiple ASD susceptibility genes, but it also occurs as part of monogenic genetic syndromes.