Drawing on the authors' years of clinical experience as well as the latest research, this essential reference explores everything from the causes of autism to how it manifests at the various ages and stages of a child's life. Provides practical, empathetic and supportive advice to parents and caregivers.

Includes an extensive glossary of diagnoses, skills, therapies and other terms relating to the care of children with autism.

What is autism? -- Meet some individuals with autism -- Assessment and diagnosis -- Looking after yourself -- The toddler and preschool years -- Problems in the preschool years -- The primary school years -- Problems in the primary school years -- The secondary school years -- Making sense of new information.