Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of biologically based neurodevelopmental disorders that affect children’s behavior and social and communication skills. Public awareness of autism and Asperger syndrome, two ASDs, has led to an increase in diagnoses, with approximately 1% of American children exhibiting symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Despite all the interest and attention, it is still difficult to determine whether a child has an ASD, since the conditions are complex and vary widely, and that is precisely why a parent with questions and concerns needs a reliable, authoritative resource. Edited by Rosenblatt and Carbone, two autism specialists, one of whom has a child with autism, and with contributions from nine physicians and eleven parents, this book provides up-to-date information and much compassion as it leads parents through the process of understanding ASDs and their possible causes; how to recognize symptoms; different behavioral and developmental treatments; the role of medication and alternative/complementary medicine; forming a partnership with the pediatrician; finding community support and care; and how to become a child’s advocate and why one needs to. This book will help parents and their children learn about and face the challenges of living with autism-related conditions. While less personal than Lynn Kern Koegel’s and Claire LaZebnik’s Overcoming Austism and Growing Up on the Spectrum, this volume presents vital facts and figures and an excellent overview of ASDs, an ideal introductory handbook for parents, educators, and caregivers. (Oct.)