Autism in Adolescents and Adults - Current Issues in Autism

In this review of Autism in Adolescents and Adults, the authors present a careful, practice-informed survey of developmental and treatment issues for older adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum. The book is aimed at clinicians, program planners and researchers who need a state-level, programmatic perspective grounded in clinical experience; its single biggest reason to buy is the detailed connection between applied services and research gained through the Division TEACCH effort in North Carolina. The review finds the volume most valuable for readers seeking clinical context rather than step-by-step treatment protocols.

Key Features

• Program perspective: Draws on the Division TEACCH statewide program to show how service systems can be organized and sustained for families and individuals.
• Clinical experience: Uses hands-on clinical work to inform the discussion of assessment and treatment approaches for adolescents and adults.
• Research-informed: Integrates observational and programmatic research with practice, helping readers translate findings into service planning.
• Family focus: Highlights the role of families and statewide supports in managing communication handicaps and related needs.
• Historical context: Describes progress over a decade of collaboration among professionals, useful for understanding service evolution.

Who It's For

This book is primarily for clinicians, service coordinators and researchers interested in program development for autistic adolescents and adults, especially those looking for a model rooted in statewide services. It is well suited to professionals who want to understand how clinical practice and research can inform system-level decisions.

It is less appropriate for caregivers seeking detailed home-based training guides or for readers wanting a quick how-to manual; the focus is on program and clinical perspective rather than prescriptive, step-by-step techniques for daily interventions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a unique statewide program viewpoint that links clinical practice to service delivery.
• Balances clinical anecdotes with research-informed discussion, making it useful for applied researchers.
• Emphasizes family involvement and systemic supports, reflecting real-world service needs.

Cons

• Not a practical manual for everyday caregiver strategies, so families seeking direct intervention steps may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	Autism in Adolescents and Adults (Current Issues in Autism)
Authors	Eric Schopler, Gary B. Mesibov
Focus	Statewide program services and clinical-research integration
Program example	Division TEACCH, North Carolina
Audience	Clinicians, program planners, researchers
Subject area	Autism, communication handicaps, service delivery

Our Verdict

Autism in Adolescents and Adults is a valuable resource for professionals who need a program-level, clinically informed perspective on services for older autistic individuals. It offers good value to service planners and clinicians because it connects practice and research through the Division TEACCH experience, though caregivers seeking do-it-yourself interventions should pair it with more practical guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book describe a specific program model?
The book reviews the Division TEACCH statewide program in North Carolina as its central example of organized services.

Who benefits most from reading this volume?
Clinicians, researchers and program planners focused on system-level planning and treatment for adolescents and adults with autism benefit most.

Is it a practical manual for caregivers?
No, the emphasis is on clinical and program perspectives rather than daily, step-by-step caregiver techniques.