Many of the issues surrounding this disorder -- and different disorders that may mimic its appearance, such as Asperger's syndrome and obssessive-compulsive disorder -- are unresolved, beginning with the question of exactly what autism is. The treatment of children with autism is an emotion-laden, contentious area, with advocates and opponents of different treatments making conflicting claims. Cohen, who has no personal or professional stake in any of the various forms of treatment, leads us through the approaches currently available, especially the educational interventions designed for young autistic children -- from intensive, one-on-one methods to group programs used in many preschool and school settings.
Families, as well as the professionals who work with them and their children, will find this analysis particularly useful. In addition to clarifying the knowledge produced in recent years about this pervasive developmental disorder, Targeting Autism lists available resourcesand highlights those leads that are creating hope that we can identify the underlying causes of autism and eliminate its devastating effects on the development of children.
