Autism in Complex Presentations: A Guide to Assessment and Diagnosis, Revised (Mac Keith Press Practical Guides)

Autism does not always present in clear or typical ways, especially when accompanied by other neurodevelopmental or medical conditions. Autism in Complex Presentations brings together an international team of clinicians and researchers to provide a practical, evidence-based guide to the assessment and recognition of autism in such contexts. Chapters explore the challenges professionals face when standard tools fall short: when autism is difficult to identify, when co-occurring conditions obscure the picture, and when diagnostic clarity is crucial for appropriate support. The book explores a range of key topics such as demand avoidance, selective mutism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, vision impairment, down syndrome, and preterm birth. Each chapter includes a clinical vignette to bridge theory and practice, alongside insights from young people and their families to highlight the lived experience of navigating complex assessment journeys. Designed for professionals