Autism and Understanding: The Waldon Approach to Child Development

This book does not offer a ′miracle cure′ for autism, although the authors aim to counteract the prevailing view that autism is a lifetime condition. Authors Walter Solomon, Chris Holland and Mary Jo Middleton demonstrate that with the appropriate intervention, children with autism – and other special needs – can gain a fuller understanding of the world and learn to take a constructive and contributing place in it.

The authors set out an approach based on Dr. Geoffrey Waldon′s philosophy of the development of understanding, which centers on helping children learn how to learn. The Waldon Approach is presented through accounts of how it has helped to enrich many lives.

The book includes:

• The inspirational story of the author′s son, diagnosed at two with autism
• An introduction to Geoffrey Waldon′s theory and working methods
• Testimony from parents, covering autism and a range of learning difficulties

Teachers, therapists, doctors, parents and special interest groups will find this book an important and transformational read.

Walter Solomon is a passionate advocate of the Waldon Approach, and a speaker on the subject of autism.

Dr Chris Holland, as a child and family psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, was for years a friend of, and collaborator with, Dr Geoffrey Waldon.

Mary Jo Middleton is a physiotherapist and special needs teacher who has been using the Waldon Approach for over 25 years.