Group Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Given the significant core deficits in social interaction and communication that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate, it is critical to understand and develop interventions which directly address these needs. This book considers the theoretical and practical implications of developing and implementing peer-based, group-focused therapeutic approaches with children on the autism spectrum. Albert Cotugno describes the theoretical underpinnings of an intervention model based on cognitive developmental principles, and explains why a group approach is best suited to address and remediate an ASD child's social deficiencies. "Group Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" shows how to implement skill-based instructional approaches and presents strategies to assess the short- and long-term effectiveness of this type of therapy, both within the group and in external settings. The book is intended for school, clinic, and general practitioners involved in group work with special needs children, professionals working with ASD children, and anyone interested in using group interventions as a means to treat social competency and social skills deficits.

Albert J. Cotugno, Ph.D., is a clinical and educational psychologist who has been providing group and individual psychotherapy services to learning, attention, and developmentally disabled children for over 30 years. He has gained extensive experience in clinical, educational, and school-based interventions through his work at the University of California at Berkeley, McLean Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital where he has directed the development of many assessment, evaluation and treatment services for special needs children. He currently resides in Needham, Massachusetts.