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Clinical Guide to Early Interventions for Children with Autism pp 1–24Cite as

Autism and Autism Treatment: Evolution of Concepts and Practices from Kanner to Contemporary Approaches

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Abstract

In this chapter, we examine how the understanding of the nature and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has evolved over the past decades. Advances in the field have been shaped by growing scientific knowledge as well as shifts in societal views, marking a progression from the widespread use of unethical and unsupported treatments to the increasing appreciation and integration of evidence-based practices and inclusive approaches. However, advising families in search for the best intervention to help their children with ASD is challenging, due to the proliferation of intervention options, difficulties accessing services, and the heterogeneity of intervention needs within the ASD population. Current knowledge and ongoing challenges in the area are discussed.

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  1. AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Giacomo Vivanti PhD

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  1. AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Giacomo Vivanti

  2. Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

    Kristen Bottema-Beutel

  3. UNC TEACCH Autism Program, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Lauren Turner-Brown

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Vivanti, G. (2020). Autism and Autism Treatment: Evolution of Concepts and Practices from Kanner to Contemporary Approaches. In: Vivanti, G., Bottema-Beutel, K., Turner-Brown, L. (eds) Clinical Guide to Early Interventions for Children with Autism. Best Practices in Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-41160-2_1

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