Autism

Autism is a little understood disability. It is characterized by a marked withdrawal from reality, communication problems, daydreams and delusions. Many autistic people also have other disabilities and many display exceptional intelligence in the performance of certain tasks, be they feats of memory or performance skills like fitting and assembly tasks. The syndrome tends to develop in early chidhood and this book follows the child with autism, step-by-step through to adulthood. The book will prepare all those who deal with autistic people for the various stages the autistic child will go through. It takes the reader through from initial diagnosis, explains the educational needs of the child and adolescent and also looks at specific practical problems, for example, teaching about personal hygiene. The book aims to demonstrate that autistic people can be taught acceptable behaviour and to communicate effectively.