The book describes a programme developed at a school for people with ASDs, which successfully enabled autistic pupils to achieve their full potential. The authors explain the challenges faced by the young people, and how the programme developed their confidence and skills, with the result that many of them are now in employment.

John Clements is a clinical psychologist of over thirty years' standing, specializing in the field of developmental disabilities. He has previously worked for the NHS and university system in the UK and jointly established the UK's first independent psychology practice specializing in issues for people with developmental disabilities. Julia Hardy is Principal Educational Psychologist at The Duke's Centre in Kingston, London. She has worked with autistic children for many years. Stephanie Lord is a retired Headteacher and Director of Children's Services who has worked with young people with autism since 1979. She developed the BERIS and Touch Talks programme for children with autism and is currently furthering these approaches in Romania.

Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Student Stories. 2. The Staff Perspective. 3. An Understanding of Autism. 4. Ethos, Practice and Curriculum. 5. The Relationship Style. 6. Relationship Techniques - Visual Supports for Communication. 7. Relationship Techniques - Developing a Reflective Self. 8. Relationship Techniques - Body Basics and Massage. 9. Relationship Techniques - Reward, Punishment and a Culture of Celebration. 10. Transition or Transformation? 11. Organisational Supports. Appendix I. Sample Staff Training Materials. Appendix II. The Role of Educational Placement, Education Provision, and Parents on the School Performance of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Phil Reed, Lisa A. Osborne and Emma Waddington, Swansea University).