The Introduction presents autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and explains how music therapy can support young children with ASD and their families. It also emphasizes research evidence, individualized intervention, and collaboration with families and other professionals.

1. Understanding autism spectrum disorders

ASD is a developmental condition involving differences in areas such as:

• Social interaction
• Communication
• Behaviour
• Learning and play
• Sensory experiences

The book emphasizes that children with ASD have different abilities, interests, strengths, and support needs, so interventions should be adapted to the individual child.

The introduction to Economics Today explains what economics is and why it is important in everyday life. Economics studies how individuals, businesses and governments make choices when resources are limited but human wants are unlimited.

Main ideas

• Scarcity is the fundamental economic problem. We cannot have everything we want because resources are limited.
• Because resources are scarce, people must make choices.
• Every choice involves an opportunity cost—the value of the best alternative that is given up.
• Economics studies how people and organisations decide what to produce, how to produce it, and for whom.
• Economic decisions are influenced by incentives, prices, income and available information.
• Economic principles can be applied to everyday decisions as well as business and government policy.
• The book uses real-world examples and applications to connect economic theory with practical situations.

Electric Energy: An Introduction introduces the fundamental concepts of electrical energy systems, explaining how electricity is generated, converted, transmitted, distributed, and used in modern society. The book is designed for electrical and mechanical engineering students and provides a broad foundation in electric power systems, energy conversion, and emerging energy technologies.

The introduction presents electric energy as a critical component of modern life and emphasizes the engineering challenges involved in producing reliable, efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible power. It connects traditional power system concepts with current developments such as renewable energy, smart grids, energy efficiency, and the environmental impact of electricity generation

The introduction explains why Linux is useful for embedded systems and introduces the basic concepts needed to understand embedded Linux development.

1. What is Embedded Linux?

An embedded system is a computer system designed to perform a specific function as part of a larger device. Examples include:

• Consumer electronics
• Networking equipment
• Automotive systems
• Industrial controllers
• Mobile devices
• Medical equipment

Embedded Linux uses the Linux operating system as the software foundation for these specialized devices.

The introduction explains the importance of teaching materials in English language education and examines how materials influence the way languages are taught and learned. It highlights that materials are not simply textbooks or classroom resources; they reflect theories of language learning, teaching approaches, cultural values, and educational goals. The editor discusses the need for teachers and researchers to critically evaluate materials and consider how they can be adapted to different learners, contexts, and learning needs. The book brings together theoretical perspectives and practical examples to explore issues such as teacher-created materials, commercial textbooks, technology-based resources, and materials evaluation. Its aim is to help teachers develop a deeper understanding of how effective teaching materials can support successful language learning.

1. What is Enterprise Governance of IT?

Enterprise Governance of Information Technology (EGIT) is the system of structures, processes, and responsibilities used to ensure that IT supports the organization’s business objectives.

The basic idea is:

Business strategy → IT strategy → IT investments → Business value

IT is no longer simply a technical support function. It has become an important enabler of business growth, sustainability, and competitive advantage.

2. Why IT governance is important

Organizations depend heavily on information technology. Therefore, senior management and boards need to make sure that IT:

• Supports business objectives
• Creates value
• Uses resources effectively
• Manages risks
• Protects information
• Meets compliance requirements
• Performs reliably

Equality is a fundamental principle of modern law and human rights. It means that people should be treated fairly and should not suffer unfair discrimination because of characteristics such as age, disability, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

In this book, Bob Hepple examines how equality law works in practice and how the law attempts to prevent discrimination and promote equal treatment. The book places equality law within its wider political, economic, and social context.

A major focus is the UK Equality Act 2010, which brought together and harmonised different areas of anti-discrimination law. The second edition considers the Act’s early implementation, developments in the courts, enforcement issues, and possible future directions for equality policy

Essential Economics for Business introduces the fundamental principles of economics and explains how they apply to real business situations. The book is designed for business and management students who need to understand how economic forces influence organizations, markets, consumers, and strategic decisions. It combines core microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts with practical business applications.

The introduction presents economics as a way of understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make choices when resources are limited. It emphasizes that businesses operate within a wider economic environment shaped by market conditions, competition, government policies, technological change, and global developments.

The introduction, “Setting the Scene: Study, Workplace and Development Skills,” explains why business and management students need to develop a broad range of academic, personal, and professional skills to succeed at university and in their future careers.

Key ideas include:

• Transition to university learning: The book introduces the importance of adapting to higher education by becoming an independent, active, and reflective learner.
• Developing transferable skills: It emphasizes that skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, research, data handling, and self-management are essential not only for academic success but also for employment.

Essentials of Life-Span Development introduces the scientific study of human development across the entire lifespan, from conception and prenatal development through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, aging, and death. The book explains how people grow and change physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and culturally throughout life.

The introduction presents development as a lifelong, multidimensional, and multidirectional process influenced by biological factors, psychological experiences, social relationships, culture, and historical context. It emphasizes that human development involves both growth and change, with individuals continuing to adapt and develop at every stage of life.

Key themes introduced in the book