Targeting Autism

Divided into three parts, this book first introduces readers to the unique characteristics of autism by defining it from professional and parental perspectives. While the standard definition of autism provided by the DSM-IV "severe and pervasive impairment inà reciprocal social interaction skills, communication skills and the presence of stereotyped behavior, interests and activities" (APA, qtd. in Cohen 4) introduces the professional perspective, Cohen offered a more vivid and powerful account by introducing the descriptions of parents with autistic children. These parents' depictions of their children's tendency to move away from people, their failure to make emotion connections through their eyes, their utilization of speech as a ritual rather than communication, as well as their obsessions with light bulbs or spinning (Cohen 5-6) enable Cohen to paint the picture of autism that is authentic, accessible and meaningful to parents, as well as special needs educators.

After this powerful introduction, Cohen then identified