Originally published in 1977. This book is a comprehensive account of the state of knowledge about autism in the 1970s. Its main emphases are the special needs of autistic children and everyday aspects of dealing with them - how to manage, teach and 'treat' them. As such, it will be of particular value for teachers and parents, but equally important for GPs, paediatricians, child psychiatrists and psychologists and anyone else playing a role in the diagnosis and care of these children.

In the opening chapters, the two editors discuss the diagnosis of autism and the specific techniques used when dealing with problems of learning and behaviour in autistic children from early childhood to adolescence. The various contributors, also specialists in the field, then draw on their own particular knowledge and expertise to cover research, the ancillary services which are available, and useful techniques for working with older autistic persons.