One element at the heart of effective service provision is an understanding of the service user's needs. This book unravels some of the common misunderstandings between people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and providers of support services, and offers practical advice on how to ensure that the needs of people with ASD are catered for effectively.Denise Edwards writes directly from her own experiences of finding appropriate support for her adopted son, John Paul, who has Asperger's syndrome, but also draws on the experiences of a broad range of service users. She emphasises the importance of understanding and conveying the nature of ASD so that support services can meet a person's needs effectively. She discusses common areas in which difficulties arise, including communication, social situations and the organisation of information, examines the implications of support in wider society - education, employment, the legal system - and makes practical suggestions for changes that can improve access to benefits and services for people with ASD.Informative and down-to-earth, this book is essential reading for the providers of services for people with ASD for service users themselves as well as formal or informal carers, friends, family, related professionals and policy makers.
Contents: Foreword. Introduction. Part One: The Need for Support. Chapter 1. Philosophy and Principles. Chapter 2. Understanding the Nature of Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Part Two: The Nuts and Bolts of Support. Chapter 3. Key Areas for Support. Chapter 4. Organization. Chapter 5. Interpretation. Chapter 6. Communication. Chapter 7. Social Interaction. Chapter 8. Health Matters. Part Three: Implementation and Management of Support. Chapter 9. Managing Support. Chapter 10. Care Plan. Chapter 11. Ethics. Chapter 12. Family Support. Part Four: Support Within Society. Chapter 13. Networks. Chapter 14. Disclosure. Chapter 15. Education. Chapter 16. Employment. Chapter 17. The Criminal Justice System. Chapter 18. Accessing Services and Benefits. Part Five: The Future. Chapter 19. A Vision for Effective Support. Chapter 20. Conclusion. Appendices. Further Reading. Useful Organizations. Index.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to parents and professionals and students alike. It is practical and highly readable. The personal and professional experience illuminates and makes the subject 'real'. This book's strength lies in its holistic approach and broad reach. Through individual case studies and support profiles, Edwards emphasises the individual and offers a truly person-centred approach. She highlights the importance of really listening to the person with autism, and puts the reader in the person with autism's shoes.
