Autism

(Hardback)

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Description

Few issues cause as much strife in contemporary society as does the cause and treatment of autism. Stories about the autism epidemic abound on talk shows and make headlines in newspapers and magazines. Celebrities and politicians express their personal opinions on the cause (or causes) of the increase in autism spectrum disorders (or ASDs), opinions often not shared by the conventional scientific community. Parents, family members, schools and government-funded agencies struggle to do the right thing for individuals with ASDs, This volume in the Biographies of Disease series provides an understandable, non-biased guide to the quagmire of information about ASDs. This foundation will enable readers to better understand the statements made by various authorities on ASDs. Autism covers all aspects of our historical and current understanding of autism spectrum disorders. The text starts with the recognition of autism in the forties and traces the development of ways to diagnose autism, explains why autism has been expanded to the autistic spectrum disorders. The author covers what is known and not known about the autism epidemic and the causes of ASDs. The critical importance of screening and early intervention is emphasized with respect to outcome for individuals with ASDs. Promising areas of research are highlighted. After reading this book, the reader will be able to place the latest breaking news about ASDs into perspective. While it is not yet possible to answer all of the questions about autism, this book allows the reader to follow along as the mystery is unraveled. Autism covers all aspects of our historical and current understanding of autism spectrum disorders: The recognition of autism in the forties and the development of ways to diagnose autism; why autism has been expanded to the autistic spectrum disorders; what is known and not known about the autism epidemic and the causes of ASDs; the importance of screening and early intervention as well as information about outcome for individuals with ASDs; and promising areas of research. After reading this book, the reader will be able to place the latest breaking news about ASDs into perspective. While it is not yet possible to answer all of the questions about autism, this book allows the reader to follow along as the mystery is unraveled.

Reviews

Writing in clear, conversational prose, Benaron (medical director, Far Northern Regional Center, Redding, CA) leads readers along a difficult path: she tries to make sense of the complicated disorder of autism. The route is confounded at many junctures: debates about labeling and classification systems; variable diagnostic evaluations; the mystery of what causes autism; lack of agreement on the part of professionals about acceptable treatments (both traditional and alternative); lack of knowledge about predicting long-term outcomes for specific individuals Benaron manages a fair and thorough description of the disorder and the direction of the future work on it. This is an excellent library and classroom resource for those new to autism and for those looking for a recent update of knowledge on the subject. Recommended. Lower-and upper level undergraduates; general readers.' * Choice *
This volume details the development of knowledge about autism spectrum disorders, from the 1940s to the increased research of the past two decades, as well as screening; diagnostic assessments, including specific DSM-IV-TR criteria; statistics about autism; possible causes, including genetics and vaccines; and interventions and alternative treatments. Benaron, who is board certified in pediatrics, internal medicine, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, is associated with Far Northern Regional Center. * SciTech Book News *
The author has written this book for a wide audience making it very user-friendly. . . it provides a solid basis for understanding ASD and understanding present interventions. * Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly *

Author Bio

LISA D. BENARON is a graduate of Yale Medical School and is board certified in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. She is the medical director of Far Northern Regional center, where she provides evaluations for individuals of all ages suspected of having an ASD. She is a strong advocate of including the schools in the process of diagnosis. Dr. Benaron served on the advisory committee for the California Department of Developmental Services Best Practice Guidelines for Screening Diagnosis and Assessment of ASDs and is currently on the advisory committee reviewing evidence-based interventions for ASDs.