Behavioural concerns and autistic spectrum disorders : explorations and strategies for change

This is a practical examination of the behaviours that people with autism may exhibit that other people may find challenging.

In order to help the autistic person to move on from these behaviours, it is important to understand their causes.

The authors describe those characteristics of autism - sensitivity to environmental stimuli and difficulties with communication, problem solving, physical movement and emotional well being - which contribute to behaviours which other people may find unacceptable and which in some cases may be harmful to themselves.

Drawing on research and on their own clinical experience, Clements and Zarkowska provide practical advice for dealing with challenging behaviour and for looking beyond it to solve the problem it manifests.

They include useful tips on how to avoid reinforcing challenging behaviours and creating situations which might give rise to them, and principles for implementing strategies for change.