Customer Reviews

Demystifying Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide to Diagnosis for Parents and Professionals (Topics in Autism)

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"A guide to diagnosis for parents and professionals". That's an accurate description of what this book is all about.

The book is divided into 9 chapters. The introduction tells us why diagnosis is important - not so much to label the child but to empower parents with the knowledge to seek proper treatment.

The next chapter highlights some of the early signs that make parents suspect if their child may be autistic. Chapter 3 deals with the history and theories or the causes of autism. Even the experts don't know everything and new insights into ASD are gained every day.

The couple of chapters will turn an uninformed layman into an informed one. Most of us think of autism as a single disorder with its classic signs. It is more accurate to view autism as a spectrum of disorders that can vary from individual to individual. The 5 ASDs are namely:

1. Autistic disorder
2. Asperger's disorder
3. Pervasive developmental disorder
4. Childhood disintegrative disorder
5. Rett's disorder

The author explains each disorder within the spectrum in great detail. Even though a lot of jargon is used, concise explanations are provided. The curious reader has much to gain from all this.

The next couple of chapters deal with the diagnostic process. The author emphasises on a multi-disciplinary approach. However, parents would know that the ideal diagnostic team is seldom possible. Most children are diagnosed by a lone psychologist. The final chapters deal with treatment. The author discusses the pros and cons of drug treatment, various teaching methods, inclusive schollong etc. Many real life experiences of parents with children with ASD are briefly mentioned in the book. I find it useful to let the reader know about what other parents are doing and have gone through. I have no problems digesting all the information in the book, but some of the less curious readers may want a book more suited to "dummies".

As the parent of a son with Asperger's Syndrome, I've read many books on autistic spectrum disorders (ASD's). I found this book to be a detailed, clearly-written overview of ASD's. The book contains a wealth of information regarding how to decide whether your child may have an ASD and if so, which diagnosis might apply. The book also provides an overview of various treatments, but the main focus is diagnosis.

As the mother of a little boy with PDD-NOS, I found this an excellent, comprehensive read. The author seemed to cover the characteristic "quirks" seen in these kids in greater detail than I've found in other introductory books. For example, she mentioned an obsession with the mechanization and movement of objects, something I'd noticed in my son from an early age. I'd highly recommend this to someone just starting out on their journey to understand their child.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of those childhood development conditions that responds best when diagnosed and treated earlier. There are five types of autism collected under the category of ASD: Autistic Disorder; Asperger's Disorder; Childhood Disintegrative Disorder; Rett's Disorder; and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Demystifying Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide To Diagnosis For Parents And Professionals by ASD therapist and diagnostician Carolyn Thorwarth Bruey (Managing Partner of Developmental Disabilities Resources, Lititz, Pennsylvania) is an ideal introduction for non-specialist general readers such as parents and family members with autistic children, and has much to commend it to the attention of students of Developmental Disabilities as well. Basic, comprehensive and comprehensible information is provided on the history, myths, features, diagnosis, and treatment of children with ASD. Enhanced with a Resource Guide and Recommended Readings for further study, Demystifying Autism Spectrum Disorders is a perfect addition to community library Parenting Resources as well as Psychology reference collections as well.

Did you ever wonder if something with your child was slightly amiss? Did you ever wonder if your child's behavior was developmentally on par with other children? This book discusses the autism spectrum in detail. It is not overly complicated to read and is perfect for those who want things broken down simply and succinctly. When people think of autism they tend to think of Rain Man. In reality, autism has many different levels - the spectrum. This book contains very helpful charts for parents (particularily first time parents) who wonder if their child is developing normally. It is helpful for parents who don't even know what questions to begin to ask their child's doctor. Fascinating subject matter even if you do not have a child that is affected by an autism spectrum disorder.