A Beginner's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders

Essential Information for Parents and Professionals

When you're first learning about autism, it can be difficult to know where to start. A Beginner’s Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders by Dr Paul G. Taylor offers an accessible introduction for parents, carers, teachers and professionals who want to build their understanding of autism and better support autistic children.

Written in clear, straightforward language, this book explores what autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is, how it may affect a child's experiences and behaviour, and why it can be helpful to see situations from the child's perspective. Rather than relying on assumptions, it encourages readers to consider how an autistic child may experience the world differently.

The book covers topics including recognising characteristics of autism, understanding a diagnosis, stress and anxiety, and practical ways to respond to everyday challenges. It also offers ideas for supporting children at home, at school and in their interactions with others.

Whether you're a parent beginning to learn about autism, a teacher supporting an autistic student, or a professional looking for an introductory resource, this concise guide provides a starting point for developing understanding and considering practical support strategies.

What you'll find inside:

• An introduction to autism spectrum disorders and common characteristics
• Information about diagnosis and understanding autism
• Insight into how autistic children may perceive and experience the world
• Discussion of stress, anxiety and behaviours that can be challenging to understand
• Practical strategies for supporting children and navigating everyday situations
• Ideas for parents, carers, teachers and professionals working together to support children

Who is this book for?

• Parents and carers who are new to learning about autism
• Families looking for an introductory autism resource
• Teachers and education staff supporting autistic students
• Professionals who want to develop their foundational understanding of autism

Book details:

• Author: Paul G. Taylor
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 112
• ISBN: 9781849052337
• Publication date: 15 July 2011

Customer Feedback:

"An excellent book, short chapters, quick to read, very clear, gives a real insight into how people on the Autistic spectrum differ from the rest of the population. What it doesn't do (and doesn't try to do, it was written by a professional as a first book to read for parents who have recently received a diagnosis for their child and need an introduction to ASD) is help you decide if someone is on the spectrum or have detailed strategies for coping with living with ASD."