Drawing on the TEACCH program's twenty years of experience in clinical services, education, and research, this volume synthesizes some of the most important theory and data related to the early identification and intervention in autism and related disorders. Chapters addressing clinical aspects, parental concerns, and legal issues will be useful in helping professionals understand and implement state-of-the-art services for young children and their families.

Inhalt
I: Introduction and Overview.- 1 Introduction to Preschool Issues in Autism.- 2 A Parent's Perspective on the Preschool Years.- 3 Normal Childhood Development from Birth to Five Years.- II: Specific Aspects of Autism.- 4 Early Social Development in Autism.- 5 Communication in Preschool Autistic Children.- 6 Behavior Management in the Preschool Years.- III: Diagnostic, Assessment, and Programmatic Aspects.- 7 Assessment of the Young Autistic Child.- 8 Medical Syndromes in Young Autistic Children.- 9 Interpreting Results to Parents of Preschool Children.- 10 Early Intervention for Children with Autism and Related Developmental Disorders.- 11 Current Practices in Early Intervention for Children with Autism.- 12 Federal Legislation for Young Children with Disabilities.- Author Index.