From School Library Journal
Gr 5-9-A useful but uninspired introduction. Landau clearly defines the signs of the disorder: problems with social behaviors, speech/language difficulties, inappropriate responses, and repetitive behaviors. She describes various treatments, both behavioral and drugs, including use of the hormone secretin. Black-and-white photos are scattered throughout. The Children's Health Bill (HR 3301), supported by CAN (Cure Autism Now), is summarized at the end. This book is similar to Michele Edwards's Autism (Lucent, 2001), although the latter uses a brighter layout and typeface and therefore looks a bit more engaging.
Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-12. The neurological disorder autism (which is actually an umbrella term for a range of disorders) gets a standard nonfiction textbook treatment here, with chapters on symptoms, history, and treatment. Landau considers the condition from many perspectives, including that of Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal sciences professor who is autistic herself. Grandin (whose name has, unfortunately, been left out of the index) describes a holiday dinner during which the voices, sights, and smells overloaded her senses and caused her to panic. Landau employs a clear, objective writing style throughout most of the book, but falters in closing chapters, which consider savants and political lobbying. The heartwarming personal stories seem a bit like moviesoftheweek, and a lengthy passage from a TV celebrity's rousing speech is an obvious attempt to push emotional buttons. Still, much of the information here, along with source notes and the bibliography, will be valuable for report writers and for readers interested in special education. Resources and further readings are appended. Randy Meyer
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
