Local psychologist writes new book on autism

By Cindy Cantrell, Globe Correspondent

Psychologist Albert Cotugno of Needham, who has 35 years of clinical experience treating children with autism spectrum disorders, said a dichotomy exists in individuals whose behavior does not reflect their craving for social relationships.

"Social interactions are necessary and important," said Cotugno, who is in private practice in Natick. He is also an instructor in Harvard Medical School’s psychiatry department and a consultant to group programs at Massachusetts General Hospital/YouthCare, a treatment and consultation program for children with autism spectrum disorders in Wellesley and Charlestown.

"When an individual is missing a piece," he added, "the question is how do we help fill it?"

Cotugno has written a new book, "Making Sense of Social Situations: How to Run a Group-Based Intervention Program for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders." This is a follow-up to his 2009 book on his specialty area, "Group Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders."

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, one in 110 children in the United States have been diagnosed with a disorder on the autism spectrum.

The list of symptoms includes missed social cues, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and other physical or medical issues.

Cotugno’s new book addresses the need for a cognitive-developmental approach in a peer group-based, interactive, and therapeutic program.

"In the world of an autism spectrum child, the bridge to communication is only partially constructed,’’ he said. ‘‘With the enormous increase in the number of kids being diagnosed, we have to learn to do our part to help them."

For more information, visit www.drcotugno.com.