Product Description

In this new book Simon Baron-Cohen summarizes the current understanding of autism and Asperger Syndrome. He explains the process of diagnosis, as well as the options for education and intervention for those with these conditions. Taking a lifespan approach, Professor Baron-Cohen considersa how the conditions affect very young children through to adulthood. He also outlines his new Empathizing-Systemizing (ES) theory, which aims to explain all of the psychological features of autistic-spectrum conditions. This book is designed firstly for people with these conditions and their families. It will be useful to clinicians, teachers, and other professionals involved in the care and support of people on the autistic spectrum. The book will also provide an invaluable introduction to the topic for students in the social and biological sciences.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5668 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Review
This is an excellent and engaging book, providing an up-to-date and remarkably comprehensive source of knowledge and practical information on autism and Asperger syndrome. (Richard Mills, Director of Research, Research Autism, Communication )

Customer Reviews

If you want real, eloquently written scientific research about autism...
This is a fantastic book for both parents and researchers new to autism. Nothing is 'dumbed down' but Baron-Cohen writes in a very readable, engaging style that, even if you know nothing about the subject of autism, will make you want to solve its so far very elusive mystery.

Highly recommended, along with Baron-Cohen's other books in the area ('The Essential Difference' is very good if you want to explore the gender aspect further, something Baron-Cohen introduces in the book)

Very good introduction
This is a small book, that serves as an excellent introduction to Autism and Aspergers syndrome.

Baron Cohen chooses a great way to illustrate the nature of these conditions. He introduces the reader to 2 young men, both 19, one has classic autism, the other Aspergers. We then learn the behaviour of these 2 individuals. This is fascinating and would be re-assuring to both parents and those that have the condition.

The book then moves on to a short history of autism and Asperger's.

After that, there are chapters on diagnosing the condition and evaluating where a person might be on the 'autism spectrum'.

The next chapter introduces us to the existent theories of what causes Autism and Aspergers. None of these are conclusive and the reality is that we just don't know. Though Cohen is adamant that genetics plays a large part. There is a chapter on the biology of autism and Aspergers, noting the differences in brain composition and function.

The final chapter focuses on intervention, education and treatment.

The main part of the book is about 120 pages. At the back, there is a questionnaire (known as AQ, which can also be found on the internet) to test for autism traits. There is also a list of organisations, for most countries.

The author is very sympathetic to the condition and his empathy shines through. He has taken great care in presenting the information in a cogent and concise manner.

To someone who knows nothing, or just a little, about Autism and/or Aspergers, I'd thoroughly recommend this book.

Superb pocket book yet full of good information
This is a superb little book with a clean and clear layout and some good explanatory diagrams and tables. Each chapter starts with a 'key points' box followed by good information basic information. There are chapters looking at two people on the spectrum, what criteria a diagnostician would look at, then the biology and psychology of autism and Asperger's Syndrome with a brief look at possible intervention, education and treatment of autism.

There is an autism quotient test at the back of the book followed by a helpful list of organisations worldwide.

This would be a good basic starter book if you are looking for facts based on research since it gives a great overview of the autistic spectrum.

The amount of information in this book is amazing for its size!