Behavioural problems often make life very difficult for those affected by autism-spectrum disturbances and for those around them. Many parents, teachers and therapists are pushed to their limits with normal educational strategies, or may even regard the behavioural problems as an inevitable part of the personality of the individual affected. This book is intended to offer hope and provide specific strategies for understanding problems and addressing them in a concentrated way. What are the triggers and consequences of a behavioural problem, and what function does it serve? How can one intervene for prevention? What positive alternatives can be developed, and which consequences are useful? Autism-specific behavioural therapy and applied behaviour analysis are introduced here using example cases. Aspects discussed include self-stimulation and sensory problems, tantrums and aggressive behaviour, rigidity and compulsions, as well as concepts such as "counter-control" and "learned helplessness".

Dr. Vera Bernard-Opitz (Emeritus Associate Professor at NUS) is a clinical psychologist, behavioural therapist and board-certified behaviour analyst-doctorate (BCBA-D) and works as a therapist, supervisor, author and editor of an autism periodical.