This important volume provides a theoretical framework for the usefulness of the stress construct in understanding and treating autism. Contributions by researchers, clinicians, teachers and persons living with autism illustrate how stress influences the lives of persons with autism; how those touched by autism cope with stress; and how clinicians, teachers and caregivers can reduce the impact of stress in autism.

The authors explore how stress contributes to the physiological, psychological, and overt behavioral manifestations of autism. Narratives by individuals with autism, family members, clinicians, and a musician help the reader to understand in a rich and unique way the role and impact stress can have in the life of people living with autism and also highlight creative coping strategies over a lifetime. Clinicians and educators offer a range of intervention and instructional strategies to reduce stress and to prevent or alleviate anxiety and other disruptive responses inherent in autism. This volume's biological, psychological and social perspectives on stress and autism reflect many modes of inquiry and types of information. Stress, Coping and Autism will be of great help to mental health professionals, researchers and caregivers alike.

I. FOUNDATIONS IN STRESS, COPING AND AUTISM

Assessment and Coping Strategies, June Groden, PhD, M. Grace Baron, PhD, Gerald Groden, PhD

Scientific Foundations for Research and Practice

II. THE EXPERIENCE OF STRESS IN AUTISM

Stopping the Constant Stress: A Personal Account, Temple Grandin, PhD

Living with Autism: A Collaboration

III. EMERGING PATHWAYS FOR THE STUDY OF STRESS, COPING, AND AUTISM

Is Autism a Stress Disorder? What Studies of Nonautistic Populations Can Tell Us, Kathleen Morgan, PhD

Autism and the Physiology of Stress and Anxiety

IV. STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH STRESS

Stress and Coping Among Family Members of Individuals with Autism, Beth A. Glasberg, PhD, Megan Martins, MS, Sandra L. Harris, PhD

Communication and Stress in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders