Abstract
This research paper examines the different diagnostic labels for autism that are in current use, to consider how far they are applied with any consistency, how far they overlap, and whether existing terminology is adequate to account for the range of disorders encountered. The paper explains that Professor D.V.M. Bishop's work is highlighted in the research because the author feels that to even attempt to comprehend what is the 'best practice' in the case of educating the autistic individual is to first identify, define and characterize what 'autism' is actually comprised of in terms of its needs, its abilities, and the practices that negatively impact the autistic learner as well. Bishop informs the research at hand of some key factors in considering education of the autistic child.

Table of Contents:
Background of the Study
Diagnostic Criteria in 'Autism'
Revised Definition and Diagnostic Criteria in Autism 'Spectrum' Disorder
Research Questions
Nature and Purpose of the Diagnostic Exercise
Special Education and General Education Overview
Purpose of the Study
Definitions
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social Skills
Inclusion
Self-Contained
Special Education
General Education
Literature Review
Historical Overview of Education and Autism
Complaints of the Special Education Inclusion Program
Autism Continuum Two-Dimensional Model
Conner (1989) Guidelines for Mainstream Practice
Nine Diagnostic Points Identified (Creak 1961; as cited in Conner, 1999)
Diagnostic Criteria: Asperger Syndrome
Screening Tools Identified
Autistic Behavior 'Rating Scales'
Classroom Strategies
Behavioral and Social Management
Scholastic Management
Limitations of the Research
Summary of Literature Review
Recommendations for Future Research
Methodology
Questions of the Research
Method of Collection of Primary Studies for Review
Designation of Criteria for Inclusion
Designation of Criteria for Exclusion
Delineation of the Characteristics and Findings of the Studies
Analysis of the Data
Interpretation of the Results

From the Paper
"While Christopher may well master the production of "long and complicated sentences" simultaneously Christopher's responses "are often inappropriate, and he often asks questions of others while disregarding the answers he receives." Bishop goes on and explains by asking the reader to suppose that in this fictional yet realistic situation that: "The psychiatrist suggests a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. The speech therapist states that an analysis of Christopher's language shows that it is phonologically and grammatically normal.""

Tags:asperger, diagnostic labels, obsessive subtypes, best practice

Abstract
The paper explains that the purpose of this research is to identify the supports that can assist the family of the child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to fully participate in family activities and community involvement. The paper provides a literature review and concludes that support and assistance to parents and families of children with ASD is critical.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Rationale
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Methodoloy
Literature Review
Conclusion
Recommendations

From the Paper
"Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is described as a disorder that is characterized as a "class of developmental disabilities which cause severe impairments to a child's communication, their social interactions, and in their play and behavior." (Law, ) The impact of autism on the social participation of the family is severe and critically necessary to address so as to enable the autistic child and the child's family members to pursue healthy interaction in community and society both with the family as a unit and separate and apart as individuals with diverse interests as well. Intervention that is early in nature is critically important for young children with autism spectrum disorder and the need for effective early intervention (EI) has featured in legislative priorities conveying the same."

Tags:adjustment, stress, adaptability, intervention

Abstract
The paper discusses how genetics and environmental factors are both thought to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The paper also addresses the detection and treatment of autism. The paper reveals that although autism and ASD are troubling disorders that demand intensive patience and care, autism need not be a debilitating condition and many children with autism do mature into productive teens and adults with few signs of the disorder.

From the Paper
"The incidence of autism in the United States has increased dramatically to a point at which a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study revealed that 1 in 150 8-year old children have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Autism Society of America classifies the problem as a "national health crisis." Autism's toll extends beyond those whose lives are directly affected by the disorder, as ASDs cost the American health care system an estimated $35 billion (Autism Society of America). Although the CDC claims that "it is unclear how much of this increase is due to changes in how we identify and classify ASDs," previous research has shown that the increase is due to more than simply robust reclassification and diagnostic procedures. A University of California study found that "The observed increase in autism cases cannot be explained by a loosening in the criteria used to make the diagnosis," (Byrd 2002)."

Tags:genetics, environment, communication, social, skills

Abstract
This paper conducts a literature review in order to learn about and distinguish between the different types of learning disabilities as well as learn about instructional strategies that could be used to support students with ADHD to overcome learning barriers. Additionally, the paper compares and contrasts effective strategies for supporting special needs students with autism.

Outline:
Objective
Definitions & Terms
Literature Review

From the Paper
"The U.S. Department of Education report states that the work of Bos et al (1999) "reported that collaborative partnerships between home and school were especially important during the initial assessment of the child's disability and educational needs, the development of behavior modification plans, the evaluations of medication, and the coordination of assignments. Parents and teachers can share information with one another if they work together to plan behavioral and academic strategies for the student. Parents can offer information about the child--including the child's medical history, hobbies and interests, effective reinforcers, and behavior in other settings--that may inform the decisions made by the teacher and other members of the IEP team. "

Tags:autism, hyperactivity, learning, disabilities

Abstract
The goals of this study are to identify and analyse common autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions targeting social communication; to ascertain whether any of these strategies specifically target deficits in figurative language, such as the inability to understand metaphors, irony, idiomatic expressions and humour; and to discover whether any of the current strategies have proven effective in addressing deficits in figurative language. Children with ASD suffer an increased likelihood of severe anxiety (such as hypochondriasis, panic, specific fears or excessive worrying) and depression or other mood disorders. Thus, it is extremely important to develop and implement effective strategies to help such children interact in socially positive ways in order to decrease their anxieties and improve their opportunities to establish friendships.
While there has recently been a proliferation of therapeutic approaches designed to remedy the deficits in the social and linguistic skills of children who suffer from ASD, there are few published studies available regarding the efficacy of such strategies in addressing the inability to understand figurative language such as metaphor, irony, idiomatic expressions and humour. This dissertation intends to contribute to the sparse literature on this subject by looking at the communication intervention strategies currently being used with ASD children and to what degree these have proven effective in addressing figurative language deficits.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review
Methodology
Discussion
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Children with ASD suffer increased likelihood of severe anxiety (such as hypochondriasis, panic, specific fears or excessive worrying) and depression or other mood disorders (Sofronoff, Attwood & Hinton, 2005). This can be predominantly attributed to the bullying and social rejection they suffer as a result of their inability to communicate in socially appropriate ways (Harvard Mental Health Letter, 2005). Difficulties in social reasoning due to an inability to accurately gauge and respond to social cues, particularly those involved with verbal and nonverbal communication, leads to problems in establishing supportive friendships with others (Sofronoff, Attwood & Hinton, 2005). In addition, impairments in social communication render the individual with ASD naive and vulnerable to being taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals (Rajendran, Mitchell & Rickards, 2005). Thus, it is extremely important to develop and implement effective strategies to help such children interact in socially positive ways in order to decrease their anxieties and improve their opportunities to establish friendships."

Tags:communication, ASD, PDD-NOS, intervention, treatment, therapy

Abstract
A report on a study conducted into banking and corporate decision making as it effects the society and environment in which the company is based. The paper looks at the effects accountability has on whether companies are socially and environmentally responsible. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of integrating sustainable development generally and ASD more specifically into financial accounting analyzes used by commercial banks in the decision-making process for the extension of business loans.

Contents:
Introduction and statement of the problem
Purpose of the study
Definition of terms
Delimitations
Overview of the study
Literature Review
Valuing Environmental Damage
Corporate Social Responsibility
Activity-Based Accounting and Management
Synthesis
Methodology
Research Design
Case Study Structure
Survey Research Structure
Combined Research Design Summary
Data Analysis
Results
Summary and Conclusions
Summary of the Study
Conclusions
References

From the Paper
"Each of the research questions was answered in the affirmative. The experiences of corporations, such as Fujitsu, that have implemented ASD systems have demonstrated the compatibility of ASD systems with standard financial accounting systems. The ASD system also has proved to be both effective and valuable to the companies. The experiences are strong indications that the implementation of an ASD system is not inconsistent with preserving the integrity of both the financial accounting system and the ASD system within a company."

Tags:environment, pollution, banking, management, ASD, accounting, finance

Abstract
This paper clinically presents acute stress disorder (ASD) in respect to its definition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) including the symptoms of ASD and its etiology, diagnostic criteria and possible measures of treatment and prevention. This paper emphasizes the role that ASD has on law enforcement officers.

Abstract
This paper first explains the background and practices of play, filial and family therapies as related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Next, the author examines developmental, individual-difference, relationship-based therapy (DIR), a new ASD intervention, which incorporates concepts and practices from these three therapies. The paper illustrates the application of DIR and why the intervention is so successful for children with autism.

From the Paper
"Children often lack the language and abstract reasoning skills to express themselves verbally as adults do. Play therapists allow children to express themselves through play which is a non-interrogating, comfortable and a mode of self discovery.
"Play therapy has been a presence in mental health treatment since the advent of child psychotherapy dating back to Sigmund Freud who was the first to psychoanalyze children in 1909. In the 1930's child psychological tests which employed play methods of analysis were introduced."

Tags:relationship floortime parent, developmental sequence, milestones

Abstract
This paper investigates the feasibility of incorporating the concept of sustainable development into commercial bank business lending decisions. It discusses how this approach, if feasible, will provide a mechanism that will link effectively accountability and corporate social responsibility toward the physical environment through a relatively routine, but nevertheless crucial, business process. The mechanism proposed and investigated involves corporate managers, commercial bank lending officers and financial accountants and is based in both financial accounting and accounting for sustainable development (ASD).
It assesses the feasibility of integrating the concept of sustainable development generally and ASD more specifically into financial accounting analyzes used by commercial banks in the decision-making process for the extension of business loans.

Outline
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Definition of Terms
Delimitations
Overview of the Study
Valuing Environmental Damage
Corporate Social Responsibility
Activity-Based Accounting and Management
Synthesis

From the Paper
"The most typical approach to the protection of the environment is through the application of non-market activities by government. Several economists, however, suggest that market approaches would be more effective. Within the context of this suggestion, environmental damage is viewed as an externality. The typical approach to economic externalities is based upon two assumptions. First, the assumption is that externalities are harmful, and second, it is assumed that they are unidirectional. Based upon these assumptions, solutions to the problems thus created have tended to be one of the following three types: (1) require the entity creating the externality to pay damage to those injured by its existence; (2) tax the entity creating the externality by an amount equivalent to the damage caused; or (3) prohibit those activities in areas where harmful externalities would be created."

Tags:government, sustainable, development, decision-making

Abstract
This paper discusses autism, a spectrum disorder that is characterized by the broad array of symptoms and developmental possibilities reflected in those who suffer from it. The author defines autism and discusses diagnostic conditions for this disorder. The paper also touches on the different subcategories of autism, such as Asperger's Syndrome and Rett's Disorder and discusses the distinctions between autism and autism spectrum disorders. In addition, the author discusses theories relating to the presence of autism and neurological methods are used to locate and identify the presence of autism.

Outline:
Part 1 - Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD and Related Conditions
ASD, AS and HFA
Part 2--Broader Phenotype in Autism
Part 3: Autism And The 2nd To 4th Digit Ratio
Part 4 - Perception Of Biological Motion Of Faces In Autism
Part 5 - Structural Brain Imaging In Autism
Works Cited

From the Paper
"The characteristics which define the severely handicapping neurological condition, autism, vary from one sufferer to the next. As stated in the above examination of its condition, the diagnosis and treatment of autism will vary considerably based on the severity and permutation of the conditions present in the subjected individual. Moreover, autism itself is deeply shrouded in mystery. There are a great many competing and complimentary theories relating to the presence of autism which suggest its causes may be some combination or diversity of factors causing the deleterious genetic mutation preventing proper neurological development."

Tags:spectrum disorders, communicational development, linguistic development, obsessive compulsive behavior, Asperger syndrome