What are the historical foundations of autism and what precisely is meant by the 'autistic spectrum'? How can we explain behavioural patterns of people with autism, young or old, and what are the major theoretical bases for understanding these? What is the latest thinking regarding diagnosis, and what are the most effective strategies for assessment, education and care for people with this condition?

Following on from the popular provocative first edition, the Second Edition answers these questions with the latest research on autistic spectrum disorders, exploring theories at the psychological, neurobiological and 'first cause' levels to methods of assessment, intervention, education and support.

Already popular as an introductory text for those wanting to know more about autism as well as a source of basic information and references for those familiar with the field, this newly updated and enhanced book is invaluable for students, professionals and even families.

About the Author
Jill Boucher is Professor of Developmental Psychology at City University in London. Initially she trained and worked as a speech and language therapist. Within a few years, however, the need to better understand the brain, and those malfunctions of the brain that cause communication and language impairments, led her to retrain and pursue an academic career as a neuropsychologist. After some years teaching and researching at the University of Warwick, she moved to Sheffield University to supervise an existing vocational course for speech and language therapists. She subsequently played a critical role in developing a multi-disciplinary Department of Human Communication Sciences at Sheffield, where research and practice are equally valued, and mutually beneficial. The conviction that practitioners and researchers must work collaboratively to improve the lives of people with ASD, and to help families and others who support and provide for them, informs the approach taken in the present book.

Reviews
The book contains the essential elements required to provide a solid background in the field of ASD: historical background, causes of the condition, identification of the disorder, and proven ways to provide education for and care of individuals who have the condition.

One of the best features of the text is the presentation of how the definition and conceptualization of the disorder have evolved over time; the text uses side-by-side comparisons to illustrate this evolution. There are abundant case studies and vignettes that illustrate key concepts about ASD, and that provide clear examples of what is being described.

In addition, the book contains an excellent appendix with 'Assignments' for application of ideas presented in the text. -- J. D. Neal, University of Central Missouri

Boucher's Book offers a welcome update and comprehensive coverage of the historical and contemporary knowledge of ASD, presented in an engaging manner that poses many questions to the reader thereby encouraging critical interpretation of the evidence. It is a valuable resource for those who wish to gain insight into the multidisciplinary perspectives of ASD including its origins, diagnosis, diversity and care.

-- Dr Ruth Lowry

It relates knowledge of up-to-date research, linking these theoretical aspects to practice as well as to the impact on the lives of those with ASD [...]the book is suitable for practitioners and professionals in many spheres, as well as those in training or in different branches of academia [...] Highly recommended.

-- Diana Murdoch * http://www.nasen.org.uk/ *



Book Information
ISBN 9781446295670
Author Jill Boucher
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Sage Publications Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 620g