Autism is a life-long, often devastating disorder, that profoundly affects almost every aspect of an individual's functioning. Impairments in communication limit the ability to understand what is happening or why, and make it almost impossible to effectively control events, or people or the enviroment. Autism: Preparing for Adulthood focuses on adults with autism and their families. By using information from research studies and treatment programmes, it provides a practical resource for parents, carers and autistic people themselves. Autism: Preparing for Adulthood discusses the problems and the solutions related to educational and occupational attainments, ways of coping with psychiatric and other difficulties, and how to foster independence in later life. The focus is not on 'cures' or 'miracles' but on the improvement in the quality of life for all concerned. It is essential reading for professionals in training and practice in special needs, speech and language therapy, social workers, social services personnel, psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians, young adults with autism, their families and carers.