The Autistic Spectrum: A Guide for Parents & Professionals

Despite their disabilities, children and adults with these disorders can be helped to cope better with life if the nature of their problems is understood. This guide explains how people with autism experience the world, the reasons for their disturbed behaviour and resistance to change, why they need an organised, structured environment with a daily routine, and the changes that occur with increasing age. Ways of teaching basic skills, improving communication, developing potential abilities and enlarging social experience are fully described. Sound advice is offered on coping with stress within the family and information given on the various services, state and voluntary, that are available. The latest developments in the field have been included to make this the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide to dealing with autism.
Lorna Wing's lucid, sensitive, practical advice will be valued not only by parents but also by the many interested professional groups including teachers, psychologists, doctors, language therapist and social workers.

Lorna Wing is a psychiatric consultant for the National Autistic Society, and the mother of an autistic daughter.