Facing the Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders
By Tracy Pierce Bender and Carol Alexander

Facing the Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders is both an inspiring memoir of hope and a study of the unique challenges presented by autism. Through case studies and field research, the authors document the diagnosis and treatment of what is now the number one developmental disorder in the world.

In 2001, Tracy Pierce Bender, an experienced practioner of Applied Behavioral Analysis, hired and trained a team of therapists. The doors of Romania’s first ABA school opened in July of that year. Funded by the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children, this remarkable program has now expanded to two sites in Romania and continues to increase its enrollment of young children who can benefit from the intensive behavioral intervention. Today, the children who once seemed to have little hope are learning, playing, and taking on new challenges.

Pierce Bender and Alexander explore the situation of special needs youngsters at home and abroad. Tracy Pierce Pierce Bender's deep and continuous involvement with the children of the poor Moldova region of Romania convinced her that too little was being done to bring ABA to less affluent American parents of autistic children. She expanded the focus of the Brent Woodall Foundation to help these families by training them in basic techniques of ABA, offering them up-to-date information on services, and showing them how to advocate for their children to secure them the best possible education in the least restrictive environment.

Facing the Challenges of Autism Spectrum Disorders offers parents and professionals an overview of ABA therapy and other viable treatment options for ASD and other developmental disabilities, including those specifically related to institutional syndromes. The book will engage and encourage readers to raise their expectations for institutionalized and other at-risk children.