Autism: A new introduction to psychological theory and current debate

Sue Fletcher-Watson, BSc 2003

This new edition of Happé’s best-selling textbook provides a concise overview of contemporary psychological theories about autism.

Using a ‘levels of explanation’ framework, the authors explore the relationship between psychological (cognitive) explanatory models and biological or behavioural models and considers their clinical and educational impact.

The book includes voices giving the autistic point of view, as well as an analysis of cutting edge questions for future research such as issues of neurodiversity.

It is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students in psychology as well as practitioners in clinical or educational psychology who require theoretical understanding.

Reviewer comments include:

“If you read one book on autism, this should be the one! There is no other account of psychological theories that is as clear, as engaging and as succinct. The authors not only explain what research has revealed about the nature of this complex condition, they critically analyse the impact of the research on the life of people with autism and their families.

They break new ground by exploring the consequences of the still new concept of neurodiversity for a future research agenda and, true to their principles, constructively incorporate comments by autistic people from all walks of life.”

– Professor Dame Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development, University College London, UK.

ISBN: 9781138106123