Updated to reflect contemporary academic studies, this practical guide helps solve the many challenges of working with children diagnosed with both autism and severe learning difficulties. Educators, caregivers, and parents of children with autism will find thorough information on how to provide effective treatment for those with the condition as well as solutions for how to best care for autistic children from early childhood through adulthood. Frank, intelligent discussions cover the implications of dual diagnosis, characteristic behavior and development stages, fostering social interaction among other children, understanding and managing challenging behavior, as well as sexuality and the transition to adulthood. Detailed examples show how behavior can be understood and how to build on the existing strengths of individual children. Support for parents is also addressed.