Synopsis

Most of us have a very vague and narrow concept of what autism is, based mainly on such stereotypes as Dustin Hoffman's character in the film Rain Man. In this unit you will discover that there is a wide spectrum of disorders associated with autism, and an equally wide range of approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1.1 Living with autism
1.2 Key concepts for this unit
1.3 Discussing people with autism
1.4 A framework for this unit
1.5 Section summary
2.1 Principles of diagnosis
2.2 Diagnostic criteria for autism
2.3 Other points for diagnostic consideration
2.4 Problems and benefits of diagnosis
2.5 Section summary
3.1 History of the spectrum concept
3.2 Continuum or sub-types?
3.3 Savant skills
3.4 Growing up with ASD
3.5 Section summary
4.1 Do people with autistic spectrum disorders lack a theory of mind?
4.2 Developmental origins of theory of mind
4.2.1 Gaze following and proto-declarative pointing
4.2.2 Seeing leads to knowing
4.2.3 Metarepresentation and pretend play
4.3 A distinctive sub-group?
4.4 Theory of mind and self-awareness
4.5 Central coherence and cognitive style
4.6 Emotions, relatedness and the developmental process
4.7 The family context
4.8 Section summary
5.1 Are there genetic factors in autistic spectrum conditions?
5.2 Do organic influences play a role in autistic spectrum conditions?
5.3 Causal links and models
5.4 Section summary
6.1 Intervention approaches
6.2 The myth of ‘miracle’ cures
6.3 Evidence-based practice
6.4 Developments in early identification
6.5 Treating behavioural symptoms
6.6 Developing socio-cognitive skills
6.7 Biological treatments?
6.8 Integrated approaches
6.9 Section summary
7 Conclusion
Further reading
Next steps
References
Acknowledgements

 

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