Pervasive Developmental Disorder

What is pervasive developmental disorder?; social reciprocity; communication; impairment in play style; more characteristics; the evaluation process; what can be done? a medical perspective; what can be done? an educational perspective; additional options; up close and personal - parents share their stories.

`Writing mainly for parents, the authors provide realistic and practical information, richly brought to life by the stories of families in which even the simplest of events (such as going shopping or cutting hair) is frighteningly complex. The theme that runs through this survey of play, language and social reciprocity is that autistic individuals have a unique world view. No form of intervention, no matter how intensively pursued, can or should change this altered perspective. Sensibly, these authors put parents at the helm of decision-making, and they describe a wide range of educational opportunities that can enable autistic individuals to function more effectively in the family, at school or at work, including techniques based on behaviour modification. It explains components of programmes such as the picture exchange communication system (PECS), applied behavioural analysis (ABA) and TEACCH. ""Different methods work for different children,"" they write, displaying a pragmatism that is the real strength of this excellent guide.'