Mystery and controversy surround the etiology and clinical work with children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Although many consider the etiology to be unknown, the majority of professionals working in the field of autism and parents of children with autism consider autism to be a brain disorder. As such, most research has emphasized the study of the brain. From this perspective, the clinical work with this population focuses primarily on techniques such as Applied Behavioral Analysis, sensory integration, modeling, and social skills development. The work done thus far with this population should be commended and not discounted. We are now ready to augment the present state-of-the-art work with this population by introducing Attachment Relational Therapy (ART). This therapy is similar to DIR(r)/Floortime(tm) and other relationally based therapies in that it emphasizes the relationship between the child and the therapist or caregiver. The major difference is that Attachment Relational Therapy introduces a treatment process (plan) that at its core is based on understanding the etiology of autism. It is author Karen Savlov's belief that the cause of autism is due to an incomplete attachment, which occurs within the first two to three years of life. Once the etiology is understood through this new lens, then the therapist or parent can understand how to engage with the child. From this alternative perspective, it is Savlov's belief that children on the spectrum have not had the advantage of a completed attachment. She calls this perspective Incomplete Attachment, and it is her belief that what one sees when observing children on the spectrum is a child who is waiting for the attachment process to be completed. The child is doing the best he/she can to cope with this predicament. All the behaviors such as flapping arms, nonverbal communication, echolalia, lack of responsiveness to others or inability to communicate one's needs, can all make sense when taken from this perspective.The author suggests that at the core of autism is the child's inability to use herself in relationship to others. This lack of a sense of self-agency evolves during the attachment phase of development and Savlov hypothesizes that the child is left in a waiting position and remains in this incomplete state of attachment until the caregiver and/or therapist understands this predicament and can respond appropriately. Within these pages, she hopes to illustrate how the child with autism can be mobilized to utilize herself through the use of understanding (empathy), acceptance, recognition, and validation.The writings contained in this volume will go into detail about this viewpoint and how one works with children, adolescents, and adults from this perspective. It is Savlov's belief that Autism Spectrum Disorders can also inform our understanding of psychological development in general and specifically Theory of Mind. Autism Spectrum Disorders can be viewed as a window into the understanding of how all typical individuals develop psychologically. Presenting a cutting-edge view of autism, its genesis, and potentially new treatment methodologies with demonstrable clinical success, The Unspoken Truth About Autism: A New Look at the Etiology and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders is a fundamental reorientation of not only the view of autism and its origins but of human psychological development as a whole.

Artist Candy Waters, whose work appears in this book, is 15 years old, autistic and nonverbal. Candy's parents are singer songwriters Robert and Sandy Waters.

An intriguing journey that uncovers the scandalous and thought-provoking tale of family secrets, lies, lust, and abuse! Three marriages, racial tensions, a baby, and a secret affair are only some of the things that have unknowingly plagued Shyrell's family for decades. She's always asked herself, "what" and "why?" Never in a million years would she or her siblings imagine there is a "who?" n this true story, travel with Shyrell as she discovers the truth about her mother's secrets, her marriage, her family, and ultimately herself. After suffering decades of abuse at the hands of her mother, the answer to "who" would surprisingly come through a social media platform five years after her mother's death! The "what" and "why" would take years to finally come together... All the answers to "who, what, and why" had laid dormant for almost 60 years, embedded in the heart and soul of the one person still alive who would unlock Pandora's box to the "Unspoken Truth" of her mother's turbulent past from Charleston to Philadelphia regarding her unknown baby born in 1957. Will Shyrell find the answers to her past?

The authors share what they have learned about social relationships over the course of years struggling with the effects of autism, identifying Ten Unwritten Rules as general guidelines for handling social situations.

Seeing Ezra is the soulful, beautifully written memoir of a mother’s fierce love for her autistic son, and a poignant examination of what it means to be “normal.” When Kerry Cohen’s son Ezra turns one, a babysitter suggests he may be “different,” setting her family on a path in which autism dominates their world. As he becomes a toddler and they navigate the often rigid and prescriptive world of therapy, Cohen is unsettled by the evaluations they undergo: At home, Ezra is playfully expressive, sharing profound, touching moments of connection and intimacy with his mother and other family members, but in therapy he is pathologized, prodded to behave in ways that undermine his unique expression of autism. It soon becomes clear that more is at stake than just Ezra’s well-being; Cohen and her marriage are suffering as well. Ezra’s differentness, and the strain of pursuing varied therapies, takes a toll on the family—Cohen’s husband grows depressed and she pursues an affair—all as she tries to help others recognize and embrace Ezra’s uniqueness rather than force him to behave outside his comfort level. It isn’t until they abandon the expected, prescriptive notions about love, marriage, and individuality that they are able to come back together as two parents who fiercely love their little boy. Powerful and eye-opening, Seeing Ezra is an inspirational chronicle of a mother’s struggle to protect her son from a system that seeks to compartmentalize and “fix” him, and of her journey toward accepting and valuing him for who he is—just as he is.

An anthology of writings by over a hundred autistic people of color.

Navigating the "neurotypical" world with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism (AS/HFA) can be extremely stressful. But by understanding the specific ways your brain works differently--and how to tap into your personal strengths--you can greatly enhance your well-being. In this wise and practical book, experienced therapist Valerie L. Gaus helps you identify goals that will make your life better and take concrete steps to achieve them. Grounded in psychological science, the techniques in this book help you: *Learn the unspoken rules of social situations.*Improve your communication skills.*Get organized at home and at work.*Manage anxiety and depression.*Strengthen your relationships with family and friends.*Live more successfully on your own or with others. A wealth of stories, questionnaires, worksheets, and concrete examples help you find personalized solutions to problems you are likely to encounter. You can download and print additional copies of the worksheets for repeated use. Of special note, the Introduction was updated in 2017 with the latest information on how autism spectrum disorder is defined in DSM-5. Finally, a compassionate, knowledgeable, positive guide to living well on the spectrum.