Synopses & Reviews
"Readable, engaging, comprehensive, and highly informative. This well-balanced presentation represents an exceptional introduction to the field illustrated by very human stories that are bound to educate and inspire."--Edward Carr, Leading Professor, Dept. of Psychology, State University of New York, Stony Brook
"An informative and balanced overview of the different treatment options, and an excellent primer for parents just beginning their journey." - Nancy D. Wiseman, author of Could It Be Autism? A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps
"Shirley Cohen's updated edition of Targeting Autism is essential reading, whether you're a parent, an educator, or a professional living with or supporting someone on the autism spectrum. Here you'll find precious insights into yourself, your work, your clients, and your loved ones. Dr. Cohen is masterful at unpacking the complexity of perspectives that constitute what we call the 'autism community.' She is a bridge builder par excellence!"--Valerie Paradiz, author of Elijah's Cup
Praise for the previous editions:
"This book contains a balanced discussion of the many different types of educational programs. It will help parents and professionals make wise choices. It needs to be in every library."--Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism
"Every developmental pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, and child psychiatrist in the country should be handing out copies of Targeting Autism along with the diagnosis. It is a marvel. In just 186 warm and engaging pages Cohen asks and answers the questions all of us face when we make potentially life-altering decisions concerning our chil-dren's treatment and education.... This book is a gift."--Catherine Johnson, Narrative: Newsletter of the National Alliance for Autism Research
Synopsis
The only book on autism that reaches out to both professionals and families; Targeting Autism concisely describes autism spectrum disorders, synthesizes and clarifies current research, and provides pragmatic solutions.
Synopsis
Targeting Autism reaches out to everyone who lives with or cares about a young child with autism. First published in 1998 and updated in 2002, author Shirley Cohen has recast this best seller throughout to chart the dynamics of the autism world in the first years of the twenty-first century. In this expanded edition she provides specifics about the new developments that have modified the map of the world of autism or that may do so in the near future.
Synopsis
"A realistic yet hopeful account of the current possibilities for autistic children. Parents and professionals alike will welcome its judicious survey of the variety of educational interventions, its useful listing of resources, and its extensive bibliography."Clara Claiborne Park, author of
The Siege: The First Eight Years of an Autistic Child"This book contains a balanced discussion of the many different types of educational programs. It will help parents and professionals make wise choices. It needs to be in every library."Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism
Synopsis
Targeting Autism reaches out to everyone who lives with, cares about, or is trying to understand and help a young child who has or may have autism. With special attention to recent advances in early identification and educational treatment, Shirley Cohen, a teacher of teachers, provides expert guidance for families, educators, students, therapeutic personnel, and all those interested in autistic spectrum disorders that may affect as many as one out of every 200 to 250 children. Cohen, who has no personal or professional stake in any of the various forms of treatment, leads us through an analysis of the approaches currently available, especially the educational interventions designed for young children. Readers will welcome this informed and humane combination of up-to-date research findings, personal observations, and narratives from parents and adults with autism.
Targeting Autism also highlights advances in research that promise an answer to the puzzles of autism and the elimination of its devastating effects on the development of children.
In a new preface and updated appendix of resources Cohen includes information about new developments and new ways of thinking that have recently modified the map of the world of autism or may do so in the near future.
About the Author
Shirley Cohen is Professor of Special Education at Hunter College of the City University of New York. Her previous books include Special People: A Brighter Future for Everyone with Physical, Mental, and Emotional Disabilities (1977) and Respite Care: Principles, Programs, and Policies (1985).
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Prologue to the Third Edition
Preface to the First Edition
PART ONE: WHAT IS AUTISM?
1. Meeting Autism
2. Having Autism
3. Life Cycles
4. Families
PART TWO: TREATING AUTISM
5. We Have a Dream
6. Is ABA the Answer? Intervention Approaches
7. Whatever Happened to Equal Opportunity?
8. Some Thoughts on Alternative Treatments and Other Intervention Controversies
part three Looking for Cures, Recovery, and Better Lives
9. Recovery?
10. Moving toward Better Answers
Appendix A: Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder
Appendix B: Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger's Disorder
Appendix C: Resources
References
Index