Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, PsyD (Cermak Health Services)
Description: This book describes autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), examines causes and risk factors, and discusses treatments and living with individuals diagnosed with these disorders. The previous edition was published in 2007.
Purpose: It is intended to provide updated information about the specific types of autism spectrum disorders, from symptoms, assessment, and diagnosis to interventions and educational guidelines for teachers and parents, and support and employment information for individuals affected by ASD.
Audience: As part of the Health Reference Series, this book is designed for general readers seeking information on autism.
Features: The book begins with describing autism spectrum disorders, including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. It then discusses possible causes such as brain dysfunction, genetics, diseases, vaccines, and premature birth. The book spends a lot of time on symptoms and the diagnostic screening process and discusses treatments such as behavior therapy, communication therapy, and medications, while stressing the importance of early intervention. Finally, the book addresses living with autistic spectrum disorder and creating a safe home environment, toilet training, dealing with parental stress and depression, and helping adults with autism receive vocational training. This section is excellent, walking readers through important phases of life for the person with autistic spectrum disorder. It ends with a glossary of ASD terms and acronyms, along with a directory of additional ASD resources. The book is easy to read and full of practical information. The tables and figures do an excellent job of clarifying the text.
Assessment: This excellent book presents practical information for a general reading audience on a wide variety of topics in ASD. It really should be in the library of anyone who needs a fairly comprehensive look at autism and pervasive developmental disorders.
The need for consumer-level information on autism and related disorders is great, particularly for those who live with, care for, or work alongside a person with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Shannon, the editor of several titles in this series, serves that need admirably, reprinting and commenting upon more than 50 documents and excerpts from publications issued by a slew of government health agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The basic but comprehensive coverage includes an overview of ASD and information on associated causes and risk factors, identification and diagnosis, possible coexisting conditions, interventions and treatments, education, and life with ASD through adulthood. All articles are written at the consumer level, and many bear publication dates of 2010; some feature black-and-white tables or graphs. Original sources are clearly cited, and a bibliography is included for most articles. The sourcebook ends with a glossary, a directory of additional resources (including websites of related organizations), and an index. BOTTOM LINE Since the first edition was published in 2007, the number of ASD diagnoses has increased, and much attention has been brought to bear on the topic, so this updated edition is welcome. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.—Teresa R. Faust, Vermont Dept. of Libs., Berlin
