Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

An update to Waltz's Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help (1999), this new book will be incredibly useful to parents and educators working with children and adults suffering from autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Of the changes made to this edition, first and foremost is the terminology: ASD, which incorporates autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other pervasive developmental disorders into one diagnosis, is now an accepted umbrella term for those conditions. In a very readable format, Waltz covers the latest developments in medical and therapeutic interventions and environmental links, insurance, education, family issues, support, and resources for the English-speaking world. Throughout, she intersperses numerous personal accounts from interviews held with families, caretakers, and ASD patients. Those firsthand accounts allow the human side of the diagnosis to shine through and illustrate the wide variety of experiences of living with ASD. Strongly recommended for public libraries and for academic libraries with education or autism collections. Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Lib., OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) include autism and a range of other neurological disorders. This unique book encompasses both the practical aspects as well as the personal stories and emotional facets of living with PDD-NOS (not otherwise specified), the most common pervasive developmental disorder. While at least 250,000 Americans have been diagnosed with PDD-NOS -- one-third of which are children -- twice as many may remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Parents of an undiagnosed child may suspect any number of things, from autism to severe allergies. Pervasive Development Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help is the guide for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with this neurological condition that profoundly impacts the life of the child and family. Featuring a range of stories from parents helping their children, it covers:

Getting a diagnosis, including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting; includes descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists/questions used by professionals Treatment options: medications and supplements; sensory integration; occupational, physical, and speech therapy; behavior modification; "floor time" play and talk therapy; and parenting techniques Coping with diagnosis and treatment, including emotions and support systems, insurance, and educational plans

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Product Details

• Paperback: 580 pages
• Publisher: Patient Center Guides; 1 edition (July 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565925300
• ISBN-13: 978-1565925304
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,336,424 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Pervasive Developmental Disorder Bible!, November 29, 1999

By	Sheryl Lilly (United States) - See all my reviews

There is not a better book on the market that can give you the information that Mitzi Waltz has brought to the reader with this book. It's a plethora of information in easy to understand terminology, yet deligentely and intelligently written.

As a mother with 4 children with neurological disorders, 2 of which belonging to the PDD Spectrum, I can tell you that I would have given my left arm to have this collective works when we were just starting down our Holland© path.

If you have ANY type of connection to the PDD world, be it parent, grandparent, relative, self, spouse, teacher, pastor, friend or doctor, HERE is where you'll find the answers.

Thank you Mitzi Waltz!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pervasive Development Disorder - Finding a Diagnosis, December 28, 2000

By A Customer

I found this book to be very helpful. When I purchased this book I was so greatful, that finally someone understood how i felt as a parent. This book gives you the background information that will educate parents on how to address their child's needs. It gives detailed info on medication, IEPS, clinics, websites and even information concerning patterns to teach the child. this book is worth every dime.I have a eight year old son with PDD nos... and it is hard, but i admit some of the techniques in this book was helpful and it gave alternatives to medication. this book make you feel that you are not alone. Our children are special too and they deserve the best care and this book offer the information that most people on the outside will not provide... Thank you (A mother in MI)

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pervasive Developemental Disorders, June 12, 2000

By	Craig Burford (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This is a must have book for the parents of a newly diagnosed child having PDD. Ms. Waltz gives a comprehensive account what a parent should, can, and legally ought to do for their child. She covers getting a diagnosis, medical interventions, insurance, schools, support and advocacy, etc. This book is a great place for parents to start. Once you have this base line education, you can better research possible interventions for your child and thus formulate an effective plan for your child. My daughter is now 5 yrs. old. She was first diagnosed when she was 3 yrs. old. All I could find on PDD then was articles written by pyschologists on whether or not the label should exist! Thank you Ms. Waltz.