Autism and early development

In the new millennium, the way of thinking about autism is changing; the possibility of “recovery” is being openly discussed in cases where intervention starts early. By adopting universal early screening for toddlers using the M-CHAT-R questionnaire, the Czech Republic has reached a world-class level in the detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at an early age.

The book explores the issue of autism with the openness needed to change the way we think about individuals with ASD. It broadens the perspective on a disorder that for many years was viewed solely through the lens of a behavioural syndrome and where behavioural approaches were prioritised, by including other aspects. It introduces the O. T. A.® developmental model of parental intervention, which, when indicated early in toddlerhood, can be an effective way to reduce the impact on the child and their family, as well as lowering the costs of subsequent care. This responds to the globally declared challenges in the field of interventions for children with ASD (National Research Council, 2001).

In its first part, the book acquaints the reader with new scientific findings from child psychiatry, neurology, genetics, clinical speech therapy, and psychology. ASD is placed in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders, which often overlap and influence the differential diagnostic process. Early diagnosis and genetics in ASD are presented. Further chapters explain the most common comorbidities in autism (ADHD, epilepsy, developmental language disorder). Attention is paid to both the parenting of a child with ASD and the important milestones in a child's development. The second and third parts of the publication present the world-unique O. T. A.® intervention programme for toddlers.

The book can be a useful aid for all professions working primarily with children with ASD, but also with other neurodevelopmental disorders – paediatric general practitioners, child psychiatrists, neurologists, geneticists, clinical child psychologists, clinical speech therapists, psychotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation and educational staff, special needs educators, and psychologists. It can also become a useful guide for parents, grandparents, and other caregivers.