This volume, the first in the series, explores the high-functioning group of people within the spectrum of autism disorders. It is the culmination of over a decade of clinical work and research, including the most current information available about this group. This book explores: * the history of high-functioning autism; * diagnosis of the disorder; * assessment; * and treatment for the individual and their families.

This book draws together contributions from some of the leading investigators in the field of autism to consider specific problem areas in current research. Each contributor brings expertise from a different field, providing a balanced view of the whole spectrum of study of this disorder.
The book focusses ultimately on intervention studies and so is of practical relevance to people interested in helping autistic children. In addition, it provides a very convenient summary of the principal controversies which currently exist in research on autism.

Parents of young children newly diagnozed as on the autism spectrum are often at a loss for ideas about how best to help their child. They feel dismayed and "shut out" by their child and are often also having to grapple with language and behaviour problems. "Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum" is not just a collection of play ideas; it shows how to break down activities into manageable stages, and it looks at ways to gain a child's attention and motivation and to build on small achievements.

This informative and practical guide to the Miller Method [registered] presents an entirely new and dynamic perspective on advancing the body organization, social, and communicative skills of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Taking a cognitive developmental systems approach that uses elevation to build body awareness and focus the children on people and objects, the Miller Method[registered] works on the premise that children with ASDs learn more effectively when their whole bodies are physically and repetitively involved in a learning process or 'system'; a completely different approach from the more traditional schoolroom arrangement in which children learn while sitting at a desk.

Offering a balanced overview of complementary and alternative therapies, this book will be useful for parents of children with autism, ADD or other learning disabilities.The book covers a wide variety of mind-body interventions and manipulative techniques, as well as energy therapies, biologically based methods, and alternative medical systems. For each approach, the author provides a detailed description of what the treatment involves, which professionals will be working with the child, and an explanation of the rationale behind the therapy.