Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options, and Answers [Paperback]

Mitzi Waltz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1999

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, or PDD-NOS), this book is for you. In an informative style, weaved with personal stories from parents, author Mitzi Waltz covers various topics:

• getting a diagnosis(including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting, with descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists/questions used by professionals),
• treatment options (such as medications/supplements, sensory integration, occupational/physical/speech therapy, behavior modification, Floor time, and more),
• and coping with diagnosis and treatment (including emotions and support systems, insurance, and educational plans).

Helpful sections include:

• The Medical Facts about PDDs
• Getting a Diagnosis
• Medical Interventions
• Insurance
• School
• Finances
• Support
• Resources
• Research and Testing Facilities
• Diagnostic Tools

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Mitzi Waltz’s book provides clear, informative, and comprehensive information on every relevant aspect of PDD.... Her in-depth discussion will help parents and professionals develop a clear understanding of the issues; and consequently, they will be able to make informed decisions about various interventions. A job well done!”
—Dr. Stephen M. Edelson, Director of the Center for the Study of Autism in Salem, Oregon
 

“A marvelous compilation of common sense, practical guidance and insight into PDD.”
—Elizabeth K. Gerlach, Author, Autism Treatment Guide

About the Author

Mitzi Waltz has been a professional journalist, writer, and editor for ten years, covering a range of topics from computers to domestic spy operations. She is the parent of a son diagnosed with PDD-NOS and other neurological problems. The first seven years of trying to solve the puzzle of her son’s illness required all her research skills, and brought her into contact with top researchers in the field. She has been heavily involved in parent support work, both face-to-face and online, and has done a great deal of advocacy work in the medical, insurance, and education systems.

“I know from my advocacy work that there are thousands of families like mine out there, looking for answers but finding only a few pages in a neurology text, or perhaps a paragraph or two in a book about autism. Most parents are not trained researchers, and most would be afraid to cold-call a researcher at the National Institutes of Health or to challenge a school psychiatrist’s incorrect assessment. I hope that my willingness to do so can help others better understand these disorders and how to treat them,” says Mitzi.
 

Product Details

• Paperback: 390 pages
• Publisher: Future Horizons; 1 edition (1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932565000
• ISBN-13: 978-1932565003
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,018,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're at your wits end this book is for YOU, May 4, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options, and Answers (Paperback)

I spent the better part of a year looking for the information that was right here in this book. Mitzi Waltz is not only an author but someone who understands what parents are going through from personal experience. If doctor's are telling you you're overreacting, or worse yet nothing is wrong...do NOT be deterred! While long this book is WELL worth the read. Your only problem may be the night of sleep you lose because you can't put it down.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative!, June 27, 2006

By 

fabfriend5 (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options, and Answers (Paperback)

Speaking as someone that is trying to get a better grip on PDD, this book has to be one of the most comprehensive that I have read as of yet. My friend has a child with PDD and I am on a journey to find out as much information as I can. The more knowledge that I acquire, the more support I feel that I can give to my friend and her son. This book equips you with a wide range of topics such as: medications, therapies, and educational techniques so that it enables you to make educated choices when it comes to treatment and intervention.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource!!!, May 9, 2008

By 

T. Coppa "4himtoo" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options, and Answers (Paperback)

This book was extremely helpful. It inabled me to have a clearer understanding of our child's needs and work with the school district in a much better way. This is a must read for anyone who has a child on the spectrum or works with one.