The first book to address the increasingly urgent need for information about psychiatric problems in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger Syndrome systematically explains the emotional and psychological difficulties that are often encountered with ASDs. The author, an experienced psychiatrist specializing in autism, describes each of the conditions that are commonly seen in autistic children and adults, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and tic disorders, and gives sound guidance on their early detection and treatment. Easy to use and authoritative, this book is an essential tool for use by both family and professionals.

Annotation Despite increasing interest, very little is known about the occurrence of psychiatric disorders in persons with autism and Asperger Syndrome. Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger Syndrome alerts parents and professionals to the occurrence of common emotional and psychological problems in autism (e.g. schizophrenia, violence, depression, anxiety, tics) and provides sound advice for the detection and treatment of psychiatric problems in people with ASDs. The conditions described in this book are those that Dr Ghaziuddin, an experienced psychiatrist specialising in autism, has most commonly seen in autistic children and adults, although Dr Ghaziuddin clearly states that he is not proposing a direct link between psychiatric disorders and autism, but is rather recognising the need to systematically characterise commonly occurring disorders, with the hope that this will lead to their early recognition and treatment.

Annotation Despite increasing interest, very little is known about the occurrence of psychiatric disorders in persons with autism and Asperger Syndrome. Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger Syndrome alerts parents and professionals to the occurrence of common emotional and psychological problems in autism (e.g. schizophrenia, violence, depression, anxiety, tics) and provides sound advice for the detection and treatment of psychiatric problems in people with ASDs. The conditions described in this book are those that Dr Ghaziuddin, an experienced psychiatrist specialising in autism, has most commonly seen in autistic children and adults, although Dr Ghaziuddin clearly states that he is not proposing a direct link between psychiatric disorders and autism, but is rather recognising the need to systematically characterise commonly occurring disorders, with the hope that this will lead to their early recognition and treatment.

In this volume several of the major experts in the field discuss the diagnostic criteria of Asperger syndrome.

This book addresses the specific mental health needs of girls and young women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Looking at the ways autism presents differently in girls than in boys, and the mental health conditions that occur most frequently in girls with ASD, this is the essential guide for clinicians and educators on tailoring interventions and support to meet girls' needs. Describing the current assessment process for autism diagnosis, the book explains why girls are under- or mis-diagnosed, leading to later mental health issues. It outlines the types of intervention that are particularly helpful for working with girls to reduce anxiety, improve social interaction skills, and manage self-harm. The book also covers how to manage eating disorders and feeding difficulties, focusing on working with girls with sensory processing difficulties. There is advice on how to deal with the emotional impact on parents, carers and families, and the challenges they face when negotiating appropriate psychological and educational support.

Exploring the relationship between ASD and mental health difficulties, this book offers practical guidance to help parents and professionals recognise and handle co-morbid conditions, and dispels the myth that they are just a part of autism. The authors cover a wide range of common mental health problems experienced by children with ASD, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, psychosis, stress, tics and depression, and illustrate these issues with case studies. They also provide vital advice in an accessible format and suggest strategies to ease the difficulties which arise from these co-morbid conditions. This book is essential reading for professionals working with children on the autism spectrum and is an accessible and practical resource for parents and carers.