A leading book written by a UU psychologist and parents of Autistic children on how to best treat the disorder is to be translated and published in Japanese.

Dr Mickey Keenan, from the School of Psychology at Coleraine, pioneers research into the treatment of Autism through Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

His methods have been so innovative and successful that experts at the University of Toyo, in Tokyo, Japan, have asked if they can translate and publish the text of Parents' Education as Autism Therapists in Japanese.

The book was written jointly by Dr Keenan and parents of Autistic children from Northern Ireland and features case studies of the children Dr Keenan has worked with.

Professor Naoji Shimizu discovered the publication while on a research trip to London in 2001 and found it to be the most informative text on using ABA to treat Autism that he had ever come across. On his return to Japan, with help from his colleagues at Toyo University, he began its translation. The Japanese text is now ready for publication.

Dr Keenan said: “The publication of this book in Japanese is yet another example of the international lead taken by University of Ulster staff in ABA and autism.

“At a time when the prevalence of autism is on the increase worldwide, it is essential for all communities to be fully informed about the only scientifically validated treatment for the disorder. In the United States for example, there will be more cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosed this year than all other childhood diseases combined. This book offers hope and practical guidance for Japanese parents and professionals struggling to cope with this devastating condition.”

An international conference focusing on autism is set to take place at the University's Coleraine campus from 16- 17  December. For further information see: http://www.science.ulster.ac.uk/conference/

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter