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eBooks
Autism Spectrum Disorders (2018)
In DSM-5, published in 2013, the classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was created, subsuming several diagnoses and representing a significant evolution from its first appearance in the DSM-III three decades earlier. Autism Spectrum Disorders reflects this evolution, offering clinicians and families a succinct, definitive, and up-to-date guide to current research in the field and its impact on assessment and treatment. The book begins with the epidemiology of ASDs, which have increased in prevalence, and explores genetic heritability and environmental risk factors. It then explains the roles of the psychiatrist, neurologist and pediatrician in assessing the patient, examines assessment tools and processes, and describes the latest advances in a variety of treatments and interventions. The text's focus is on educating and empowering families and health care providers to determine whether appropriate genetic testing and counseling have been undertaken, whether the individual has had the relevant assessment, and whether skilled behavioral treatment and additional medical assessment or treatment are required. Specifically, the text: * Reviews existing prevalence estimates for ASDs since 2000 and discusses methodological factors impacting the estimation of prevalence and the interpretation of changes in prevalence estimates over time.* Evaluates genomic and epigenomic research over the last decade in the context of translating findings to practice, in terms of testing (e.g., copy number variants and whole-exome sequencing) and counseling.* Examines the role of environmental toxicity in immune dysregulation, which has now been noted among individuals with ASD and their family members by numerous studies. * Reviews medical and cognitive assessments that may be needed.* Reviews targeted treatments that have the potential to reverse neurobiological abnormalities in ASD* Reviews behavioral treatments that are effective in promoting development and improving behavior.* Describes the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) model, a comprehensive developmental theory with relevance across the lifespan, which targets the core deficits of ASD identified in DSM-5.* Provides an overview of school-based interventions for students with autism, exploring the rationale for conducting school-based research and examining existing teacher-, paraprofessional-, and peer-mediated interventions school-based interventions.* Explores other approaches to ASDs, such as complementary and integrative approaches and non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, including transcranial magnetic stimulation. The push for early screening is resulting in earlier diagnosis of ASDs and the provision of evidence-based interventions that have a positive impact on outcomes. Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a bench-to-bedside guide that is essential reading for health care providers and families facing the challenges inherent in these complex disorders.
Neurotribes (2015)
'NeuroTribes is a sweeping and penetrating history, presented with a rare sympathy and sensitivity... it will change how you think of autism.
Supporting Positive Behaviour in Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (2019)
This highly practical book is an accessible and grounded handbook for addressing challenging behaviour in children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism. It recognises that challenging behaviour does not appear out of nowhere and is meaningful for the person exhibiting it. Behaviour can be communicative and an important signifier of underlying sensory or environmental issues. Focusing on a person-centred approach throughout, the book has advice and strategies for working with the client's families, support staff and professionals. It also presents best practice for analysing and addressing challenging behaviour in various settings such as schools, hospitals and the home, all while stressing the need to keep the human story at the heart of any assessment and intervention. Each chapter features questions for discussion or reflection and exercises for the reader to complete. Informal, frank and free of jargon, this is indispensable for professionals, parents, and anyone working with people with intellectual disability or autism.
Books
Handbook of Preschool Mental Health (2017)
Comprehensively exploring the development of psychiatric disorders in 2- to 6-year-olds, this authoritative handbook has been thoroughly revised to incorporate important scientific and clinical advances. Leading researchers examine how behavioral and emotional problems emerge and can be treated effectively during this period of rapid developmental and brain changes. Current knowledge is presented on conduct disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attachment disorders, and sleep disorders in very young children. The volume reviews a range of interventions for preschoolers and their caregivers--including clear descriptions of clinical techniques--and discusses the strengths and limitations of the empirical evidence base. New to This Edition *Many new authors; extensively revised with the latest research and empirically supported treatments. *Heightened focus on brain development and the neural correlates of disorders. *Section on risk and resilience, including chapters on sensitive periods of development and the early environment. *Chapters on parent-child interaction therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies, attachment-based therapies, and translational approaches to early intervention.
NeuroTribes (2015)
A groundbreaking book that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding, and full participation in society for people who think differently. What is autism: a devastating developmental disorder, a lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is all of these things and more--and the future of our society depends on our understanding it.
Online Videos
EduTV - Living with Autism (2015)
When developmental psychologist Uta Frith started her training in the 1960s, she met a group of beautiful, bright eyed young children, who seemed completely detached from the rest of the world. It turned out they had just been given the new diagnosis of autism. Uta wanted to know more about these children and they inspired her to dedicate the rest of her career to studying the autistic mind. Uta's lifetime study of people with autism has transformed our understanding of this condition..
TED Talk - The world needs all kinds of minds - Temple Grandin. (February 2010)
Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.
TEDx - Behind the Mask: Autism for Women and Girls (2021)
As a woman with autism, Kate will talk about the gender discrepancy in autism diagnoses. Women and girls often display completely different behaviors than what neurotypical people have been taught to associate with autism, which affects when and how (and if) they are diagnosed. Autism being diagnosed at a younger age leads to a higher chance of that child receiving evidence-based treatment, which can help with better life outcomes.
EduTV -What It's Like (2020)
A show for young people in our community whose voices, stories and perspectives aren't often seen or heard. In this episode we hear what it's like living on the Autism Spectrum.
YouTube - Life with autism: In their own words (2012)
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, people on the autism spectrum tell the world what life is like.
Websites
Amaze - Shaping the future for Autism
In 1967, a group of parents who were struggling to find autism resources, set up the ‘Victorian Autistic Children’s and Adult’s Association’. It provided a central information source and supported individuals and their families. The organisation was renamed ‘Autism Victoria Inc’ in 1999 and again renamed Amaze in 2013.
Today Amaze is the peak body for people on the autism spectrum and their supporters in Victoria.
Amaze raises awareness and influences positive change for people on the autism spectrum and their families/supporters and provides independent, credible information and resources to individuals, families, professionals, government and the wider community.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA therapy applies our understanding of how behavior works to real situations. The goal is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or affect learning.
Aspect - making sports inclusive for Autistic individuals in NSW
NSW - Australian professional football club, Western Sydney Wanderers, works with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to make soccer autism friendly for the next generation of players.
Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Australian Advisory Board on Autism is the national peak body representing people with autism, their families, carers and helpers. Through its members, the Advisory Board represents over 12,000 people on the autism spectrum and who are members of, or who obtain services from, the Advisory Board’s member organisations
Australian Autism Education Needs Analysis
What are the needs of schools, parents and
students on the autism spectrum?
Autism Association of WA
Established in 1967, we’re the largest specialist lifespan organisation in Australia providing services to people with Autism. The programs we develop are best-practice and based on leading international peer-reviewed research in the field of Autism.
Autism Awareness
Connects one to different websites which talk about Autism
Autism Spectrum Australia
Understanding, engaging & celebrating the strengths, interests & aspirations of people on the autism spectrum
Better Health Channel - Autism
Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to interact with the world around them. Autism has wide-ranging levels of severity and varying characteristics. No two autistic people are alike.
Health Direct - Autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how people behave and interact with the world around them. It may be mild, moderate or severe. The main features of autism are difficulty in social interactions and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. Children or adults with autism may be highly intelligent, of normal intelligence or have learning difficulties.