Targeting Autism: What We Know, Don't Know, and Can do to Help Young Children with Autism and Related Disorders - Hardcover

Cohen, Shirley

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0520210115 ISBN 13: 9780520210110

Publisher: University of California Press, 1998

Synopsis

Targeting Autism reaches out to everyone who lives with, cares about, or is trying to understand and help a young child who has or may have autism. This is an easy-to-follow road map to the world of autism for families, educators, students, therapeutic personnel, and all those interested in this disorder that affects as many as 400,000 Americans. Calling attention to recent advances in early identification and educational therapy, Shirley Cohen, a teacher of teachers, provides expert guidance through this often confusing arena. Informed and humane, her work offers up-to-date research findings within a scientific framework enriched by her own observations and narratives from parents and adults with autism. Many of the issues surrounding this disorder (and different disorders that may mimic its appearance) are unresolved, beginning with the question of exactly what autism is. The treatment of children with autism is an emotion- laden, contentious area, with advocates and opponents of different treatments making conflicting claims. Cohen, who has no personal or professional stake in any of the various forms of treatment, leads us through the approaches currently available, especially the educational interventions designed for young autistic childrenfrom intensive, one-on-one methods to group programs used in many preschool and school settings. Families, as well as the professionals who work with them and their children, will find this analysis particularly useful. In addition to clarifying the knowledge produced in recent years about this pervasive developmental disorder, Targeting Autism lists available resources and highlights those leads that are creating hope that we can identify the underlying causes of autism and eliminate its devastating effects on the development of children.

About this title

About the Author

Shirley Cohen is Professor of Special Education at Hunter College of the City University of New York. Her previous books include Special People: A Brighter Future for Everyone with Physical, Mental, and Emotional Disabilities (1977) and Respite Care: Principles, Programs, and Policies (1985).

Edition details

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0520210115
• ISBN 13: 9780520210110
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 217