First published in 1985. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor and Francis, an informa company.

This book was originally published in 1983. Schizophrenic, paranoid, manic, depressive and autistic illnesses are amongst the most severe and disabling that affect mankind. Uncertainty still surrounds their origins but the term 'functional psychoses' which suggests an absence of knowledge about causation, had become out of date, as the title of this volume suggests. It gives an insightful and comprehensive account of the pathology, biochemistry, aetiology, diagnoses, epidemiology, treatment and prognosis of these conditions. The authors were internationally acknowledged experts in their fields and they all contributed to significant advances in knowledge.

Over 500,000 people of all ages in the UK have disorders in the autistic spectrum. About one-third also have varying degrees of learning difficulty. All of them have impairment of social interaction, communication and imagination - to them the world appears a bewildering and sometimes frightening place. This guide explains how people with autism experience the world and why they need an organized, structured environment. Ways of improving communication, developing abilities and enlarging social interaction are described, and advice is given on coping with stresses within the family.

-> Isn't another book that tell parents what autism is, but instead explains what a parent can do -> A true interactive workbook with sections for parents, sections for child and sections to do together -> Based on concepts from The Autistic Spectrum and features an introduction by that book's author Lorna Wing, a world reknown autism expert

Although the underlying causes of early childhood autism are still unknown, recent years have seen much progress made in developing ways of helping autistic children to learn and practice social skills.

Now this invaluable guide for parents, educators and physicians shows how an autistic child views his fantasy world and explains his difficulties in perceiving and understanding events around him. Dr. Wing reviews the behavioral and emotional problems which must be expected, and how these may be handled.

Dr. Wing also discusses the particular stresses on the autistic child's family, services that can help, the role of parents' organizations, and the outlook for the future.

The basic aim of this book is the careful progressive development of the autistic child toward integration in society through individual growth.

If you have a child with Asperger's syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism, conventional parenting principles will often prove insufficient and unproductive. This intelligent companion has all the answers, explanations and advice to enable parents to feel confident in providing effective support for their child with AS or high-functioning autism. The author explains how to help develop social and communication skills, clarifies the type of assistance needed from outside the family (and where to find it), and includes suggestions on how to ensure that the needs of other siblings are also met. Written from the insightful perspective of a child psychiatrist, this very practical book will provide concrete help for parents and carers. The experience and expertise shared will also be useful for all professionals working with children with AS or high-functioning autism and their families.