Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Professionals and Families (Issues in Children's and Families' Lives)

Since the first edition was published in 2003, an enormous amount of research into Asperger Syndrome (AS) and autism spectrum disorders has been conducted. New genetic and epigenetic theories, updated findings on viable therapies, and targeted skill-building programs provide a solid foundation of information for professionals to use in practice and impart to concerned families. The Second Edition of __Asperger____Syndrome__ synthesizes the current state of the field, beginning with the controversy over the proposed linking of the condition with autism in the DSM-5. This comprehensive guide gives readers a deeper understanding of the disorder, detailing the effective strategies and therapies available to improve the lives of young people with AS and ensure their successful transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Focusing on core deficit and treatment areas, expert contributors analyze the evidence base on behavioral and pharmacological interventions as well as educational strategies geared toward bolstering cognitive and social skills. In addition to epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and assessment, this volume offers the most current information on: * Counseling and other therapeutic strategies for children with AS and their families. * Early intervention for children and youth with AS. * Social skills instruction for children with AS. * Evaluating evidence-based instruction for children with AS. * Comprehensive education-based mental health services for students diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Practical advice for families, from a parent of a child with AS. The Second Edition of __Asperger____Syndrome__ is an essential reference for researchers, clinicians, and scientist-practitioners in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; child and adolescent psychiatry; education; rehabilitation medicine/therapy; social work; and pediatrics. "Since the first edition was published in 2003, an enormous amount of research into Asperger Syndrome (AS) and autism spectrum disorders has been conducted. New genetic and epigenetic theories, updated findings on viable therapies, and targeted skill-building programs provide a solid foundation of information for professionals to use in practice and impart to concerned families. The Second Edition of Asperger Syndrome synthesizes the current state of the field, beginning with the controversy over the proposed linking of the condition with autism in the DSM-5. This comprehensive guide gives readers a deeper understanding of the disorder, detailing the effective strategies and therapies available to improve the lives of young people with AS and ensure their successful transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. Focusing on core deficit and treatment areas, expert contributors analyze the evidence base on behavioral and pharmacological interventions as well as educational strategies geared toward bolstering cognitive and social skills. In addition to epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and assessment, this volume offers the most current information on: Counseling and other therapeutic strategies for children with AS and their families. Early intervention for children and youth with AS. Social skills instruction for children with AS. Evaluating evidence-based instruction for children with AS. Comprehensive education-based mental health services for students diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Practical advice for families, from a parent of a child with AS. The Second Edition of Asperger Syndrome is an essential reference for researchers, clinicians, and scientist-practitioners in clinical child, school, and developmental psychology; child and adolescent psychiatry; education; rehabilitation medicine/therapy; social work; and pediatrics." -- Library of Congress Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Professionals and Families integrates the latest evidence-based research from leading scholars and examples from those working with this population in non-university settings with personal practical advice from a mother whose adolescent has Asperger Syndrome and from a young man who has Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome is a life-long condition that requires long-term planning, treatment, and medical intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment may lead to minimizing the impact of the Asperger Syndrome at each developmental stage. Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Professionals and Families provides effective perspective on each type of intervention and assists those making key decisions at critical developmental and education times in the life of the Asperger Syndrome person. The authors rely on the most current research evidence and clinical experience to provide a realistic appraisal of the most significant aspects of Asperger Syndrome. Notable features include: An analysis of the most current research literature, A model for a new approach to diagnosis, treatment, education, and long-term planning, An ecological, task analytical view of educating the person with an Asperger Syndrome diagnosis, Social skills and social issues such as victimization, The diagnosis and treatment of Asperger Syndrome persons with dual-diagnoses, An analysis of the later life issues for intervention, A personal view from a person with an Asperger Syndrome diagnosis. Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Professionals and Families provides information and guidance to parents, educators, diagnosticians, and therapists on best practice approaches to Asperger Syndrome. Front Matter....Pages i-xiii What We Know About Asperger Syndrome: Epidemiology and Etiology....Pages 1-19 Assessment and Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome....Pages 21-37 Counseling and Other Therapeutic Strategies for Children with AS and Their Families....Pages 39-63 Early Intervention for Children/Youth with Asperger Syndrome....Pages 65-90 Building Social Skills Instruction for Children with Asperger Syndrome....Pages 91-111 Evaluating Evidence-Based Instruction for Children with Asperger Syndrome....Pages 113-161 Comprehensive Education-Based Mental Health Services for Students Diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum....Pages 163-188 Living with AS: Real Issues, Practical Advice for Families with School-Aged Children....Pages 189-203 Back Matter....Pages 205-212 This book explores the ongoing treatment and education needs of children with Asperger Syndrome. It examines a variety of therapeutic, educational, and social skills strategies for use at home as well as in classrooms and other community settings.