Autism (Biographies of Disease) [Hardcover]

Lisa D. Benaron (Author)

Book Description

Series: Biographies of Disease | Publication Date: November 30, 2008

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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."

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SciTech Book News

"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.' "

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Choice

"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."

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Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Book Description

Provides a short accessible introduction to the science and medicine behind autism.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood (November 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313347638
• ISBN-13: 978-0313347634
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #407,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable resource, January 24, 2009

By 

Brenda Berry (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism (Biographies of Disease) (Hardcover)

This book by Dr.Benaron is exactly what is desperatly needed in the ongoing discussion of Autism Spectrum disorders - a clear and reasonable voice. Filled with useful information concerning the history, diagnosis, causes and treatments of this complex disorder, Dr. Benaron's book addresses the need for evidence based therapies and examines many of the claims of the alternative medicine movement with the eye of a skilled diagnostitian, respected doctor and compassionate family memember. A must read for educators, pediatricians, parents, and anyone affected by or interested in this facinating topic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding resource for anyone interested in autism, December 2, 2008

By 

Judy Botello - See all my reviews

This review is from: Autism (Biographies of Disease) (Hardcover)

In a field muddled by so much confusion and fraught with so much consequence, this book is a gem. It is written in clear, readable language by a respected expert in autistic spectrum disorders. Dr. Benaron provides a wealth of accurate information, and avoids providing easy answers where none exist. This is a wonderful and much-needed resource for parents, for teachers, for other physicians, or anyone seeking to understand this mysterious and tragic condition.