Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities

Editor's Note: The current issue of Focus on Autistic Behavior features a reprint of Barry Prizant and Amy Wetherby's article, “Providing Services to Children with Autism (Ages 0 to 2 Years) and Their Families.” The article originally appeared in Topics in Language Disorders (1988, Vol. 9, No. I, pp. 1-23). Periodically the editorial staff will recommend reprinting classic articles (i.e., those that have withstood the test of time or have had significant impact for a period of time) as well as previously published works that appear to have particular merit. Prizant and Wetherby provide a unique look at issues, assessment methods, and intervention procedures for very young children and youths with autism. They describe not only difficulties encountered by professionals who work with young autistic children and youths, but also utilitarian assessment and intervention methods and suggestions. Special emphasis is given to communication and language development, areas of particular concern for both families and professionals involved with very young children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. “Providing Services to Children with Autism (Ages 0 to 2 Years) and Their Families” offers a look at a population that has heretofore been largely neglected.