This short introduction covers all of the essential information needed to ground an understanding of the condition and offers effective practical strategies for assisting children who are living with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, is the umbrella term used to describe a family of related conditions. Within this group, there are many diagnostic terms used such as autism, pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and Asperger syndrome. This fully-updated second edition defines the commonalities and unique differences of children with these disorders, and looks at the evolving concept of the diagnosis. Written specifically for parents, it sets out what it means for a child to be diagnosed with ASD, PDD, autism, or Asperger syndrome, and offers parents direction on where to go from there. The authors describe the characteristics of each condition, how a diagnosis is made, and what it means for an individual child. Associated conditions are discussed and various treatments, therapies, and educational approaches are reviewed. The book also includes new information on medication usage as well as frequently asked questions by parents and insightful new interviews with parents and children on the autism spectrum. Accessible, informative, and supportive, this is an essential guide for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Since the early 1940s, when first identified as childhood psychosis and autistic psychopathy, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has continued to burgeon into a major focus of inquiry and interest among researchers, practitioners, and the public alike. With each passing decade, the number of scholarly articles addressing ASD and related disabilities continues to soar. Today, thousands of papers on autism are published annually across various disciplines and journals, making it challenging – if not impossible – to keep pace with, let alone synthesize, all the latest developments. Based on a solid historical foundation of autism theory and research, the International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders integrates the broad scholarly base of literature with a trenchant analysis of the state of the field in nosology, etiology, assessment, and treatment. Its expert contributors examine recent findings and controversies (e.g., how prevalent autism actually is), along with longstanding topics of interest as well as emerging issues. Coverage includes: A survey of diagnostic criteria and assessment strategies. Genetic, behavioral, biopsychosocial, and cognitive models. Psychiatric disorders in persons with ASD. Theory of mind and facial recognition. Diagnostic instruments for assessing core features and challenging behaviors. Evidence-based psychosocial, pharmacological, and integrative treatments. Interventions specifically for adults with ASD. Training issues for professionals and parents. A review of findings of successful and promising therapies, coupled with guidance on how to distinguish between dubious and effective treatments. The International Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders is an indispensable resource for researchers, professors, graduate students, and allied practitioners in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, education, social work, rehabilitation, pediatric medicine, and developmental psychology.

Fully updated with significant advances in autism research, this new edition offers an essential and practical overview of the field.

The second edition of the benchmark reference Since its first edition, this handbook has become the most influential reference work in the field of autism and related conditions. Now expanded to two volumes, this comprehensive work provides a thorough review of these disorders, drawing on findings and clinical experience from a number of related disciplines. The Second Edition covers all current treatment models, and is updated to include new methods for screening and assessment, genetic components, and school-based interventions. All chapters have been thoroughly updated; two-thirds of chapters are entirely new to this edition. VolumeTwo includes the newest, most authoritative information available on assessment, interventions, and policy ramifications surrounding pervasive developmental disorders.

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) include autism and a range of other neurological disorders. While at least 250,000 Americans have been diagnosed with PDD-NOS-one-third of whom are children-twice as many may remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Parents of a young child with undiagnosed PDD may suspect any number of things, from autism to severe allergies. Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options and Answers is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with this neurological condition. Medications, therapies, and educational techniques can address symptoms and improve the lives of people with PDD. In some cases, the results can be spectacular. Weaving in a range of stories from parents who are raising children with PDDs, author Mitzi Waltz covers topics such as: . 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 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

Now expanded to two volumes, this invaluable reference work provides a comprehensive review of all information presently available about these disorders, drawing on findings and clinical experience from a number of related disciplines such as psychiatry, psychology, neurobiology, pediatrics, etc. The Handbook covers descriptive and diagnostic characteristics, biological contributions, intervention techniques, legal and social issues. The Third Edition is updated to include the newest work in animal models, genetics, neuropsychological processes, screening and assessment methods.