Autism: A review of the literature with particular emphasis on current approaches to treatment

Author(s): Webster, C. D., Fruchter, D., Konstantareas, M. Mary

Journal/Book: Child and Youth Services. 1980; 3: 1, 3-14.

Abstract: Presents a literature review of autism divided into 4 parts. The 1st section offers a nontechnical description of 14 of the major characteristics of autism so that the social worker or teacher can easily remember them. Second, a new theory of autism is outlined. This theory takes into account recent advances in understanding language learning in normal infants, movement patterns in autistic children, and evidence from formal experiments. The theory relies largely on evidence from the spheres of ethology and kinesics. In the 3rd section, the theory is used to explain why certain recently developed educational approaches meet with success while others yield disappointing outcomes. This section is designed to be of use to the worker in cottage, classroom, or home. The discussion ranges over dance therapy, sign language, speech training, and music therapy. It is argued that each child may be suffering from a different kind of communication disorder (there are different kinds of autism) and that it is up to the teacher, worker, or parent to find the most appropriate approach for each child. In the final section, the various trends are drawn together, and the importance of creating a specific theory for each communication-limited child is emphasized. (91 ref)

Note: proposed theory & current educational & treatment approaches; autism; literature review

Keyword(s): Literature review; theory formulation; autism ; treatment ; special education

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