ABSTRACT

Autism is a life-long, often devastating disorder, that profoundly affects almost every aspect of an individual's functioning. Impairments in communication limit the ability to understand what is happening or why, and make it almost impossible to effectively control events, or people or the enviroment. Autism: Preparing for Adulthood focuses on adults with autism and their families. By using information from research studies and treatment programmes, it provides a practical resource for parents, carers and autistic people themselves.
Autism: Preparing for Adulthood discusses the problems and the solutions related to educational and occupational attainments, ways of coping with psychiatric and other difficulties, and how to foster independence in later life. The focus is not on 'cures' or 'miracles' but on the improvement in the quality of life for all concerned.
It is essential reading for professionals in training and practice in special needs, speech and language therapy, social workers, social services personnel, psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, young adults with autism, their families and carers.

chapter 1|7 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|22 pages

What becomes of adults with autism?

chapter 3|29 pages

Problems of communication

chapter 4|39 pages

Social functioning in adulthood

chapter 5|34 pages

Obsessional and ritualistic behaviours

chapter 6|35 pages

Education for adolescents with autism

chapter 7|20 pages

Further educational provision

chapter 8|29 pages

Coping with and finding employment

chapter 9|20 pages

Psychiatric disturbances in adulthood

chapter 10|9 pages

Legal issues

chapter 11|11 pages

Problems with sexual relationships

chapter 12|14 pages

Fostering independence