Understanding and teaching children with autism

Concerned with the education of children with autism, this study does not offer a particular recipe for treatment, but rather practical guidance based on the premise that effective teaching must be rooted in understanding.

The book deals with the fundamental triad of impairments in autism: social understanding and relatedness; communication and flexibility of thought; and behaviour.

In each case, the manner in which these difficulties manifest themselves in the development of the child is analyzed, and ways of overcoming or circumventing the difficulty are explored.The needs of children are specifically addressed, but much of this book will be relevant to teachers working with adults.

A particular focus is placed on the roles played by emotion and cognition in the autistic condition, and the way in which these affect teaching and learning.