The Autism Sourcebook

Practical advice and information from the world's foremost experts on autism -- and a mother's own hard-won lessons from helping her son recover from the disorder When Karen Siff Exkorn's son, Jake, was diagnosed with autism, she struggled to pull together comprehensive information about the disorder. Fortunately, she was able to educate herself quickly, and her extensive at-home treatment of her son led to his amazing full recovery. But the journey wasn't easy, and now, in The Autism Sourcebook, Siff Exkorn offers parents the wisdom she wishes she'd had at the beginning. Recent studies show that there is a worldwide epidemic of autism. More than 1.5 million people are affected in the United States alone, with one in every 166 children diagnosed. Early detection and early intervention are two of the key factors in improving prognosis -- but too often, writes Siff Exkorn, parents get bogged down in denial or confusion about the still mysterious disorder, and are unable to take the necessary steps. Providing accessible medical information gleaned from the world's foremost experts, Siff Exkorn offers an inside look at families with children who have autism, and ties in her own firsthand experience as a parent. The author shares valuable knowledge about the following: What the diagnosis really means Understanding and accessing treatment options Knowing your child's rights in the school system Coping with common marital and familial stress Making the stigma of autism a thing of the past With extensive appendices, including the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Diagnostic Criteria for the Five Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and carefully selected lists of Internet resources, recommended readings, and top autism organizations worldwide, The Autism Sourcebook is the single most comprehensive, practical resource available to parents and loved ones of children with autism.

A one-stop compendium for parents of children with autism. The most recent studies estimate that 1 in 68 children in America are on the autism spectrum. For the parents and families of these children, having support is vital. But the search for the right information can be difficult, and it may be even harder to find the time for the research that is needed. The Parent’s Autism Sourcebook brings that information to you, offering families of children with autism a full range of up-to-date resources on diagnoses, doctors, organizations, and much more. Whether you are concerned about finding the right school, possible treatment options, methods for social interaction, or are just looking for the support of other parents of children with autism, this book can help you find what you need. The resources gathered from across the nation in this comprehensive sourcebook include information on: Evaluation and screening methods Specialized doctors and clinics Schools and social groups Potential treatments and interventions Legal services and consultation And more Raising a child on the autism spectrum can present unique challenges for parents. Finding the resources and support they need shouldn’t be one of them. The Parent’s Autism Sourcebook will help families everywhere.

Author Toney Allman offers young readers and researchers a means of understanding autism and its ramifications. Careful explanations offer insight into what autism is, what causes it, how people live with it, and the latest information about treatment and prevention. An enthralling chapter explains medicine's continued endeavors to find a cure.

Today autism has become highly visible. Once you begin to look for it, you realize it is everywhere. Why? We all know the answer or think we do: there is an autism epidemic. And if it is an epidemic, then we know what must be done: lots of money must be thrown at it, detection centers must be established and explanations sought, so that the number of new cases can be brought down and the epidemic brought under control. But can it really be so simple? This major new book offers a very different interpretation. The authors argue that the recent rise in autism should be understood an “aftershock” of the real earthquake, which was the deinstitutionalization of mental retardation in the mid-1970s. This entailed a radical transformation not only of the institutional matrix for dealing with developmental disorders of childhood, but also of the cultural lens through which we view them. It opened up a space for viewing and treating childhood disorders as neither mental illness nor mental retardation, neither curable nor incurable, but somewhere in-between. The authors show that where deinstitutionalization went the furthest, as in Scandinavia, UK and the “blue” states of the US, autism rates are also highest. Where it was absent or delayed, as in France, autism rates are low. Combining a historical narrative with international comparison, The Autism Matrix offers a fresh and powerful analysis of a condition that affects many parents and children today.

AutPlay Therapy is a behavioral play-based treatment approach to working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. This innovative new model contains a parent-training component (wherein the therapist trains parents to do directive play therapy interventions in the home) and can be utilized in any setting where children and adolescents with an autism disorder, ADHD, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated. This comprehensive resource outlines the AutPlay Therapy process and offers a breakdown of treatment phases along with numerous assessment materials and over 30 directive play therapy techniques.

This handbook provides an overview of the current scientific understanding of autism spectrum disorders, as well as a cultural and historical perspective on the controversies that plague the field. "Autism" describes a complex developmental disability that interferes with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of autism are generally recognizable when children are under the age of three. Until the 1990s, rates for autism were generally estimated at 1 in 2500. In 2010, however, the estimate is now 1 in 110 children. Is the incidence of autism increasing, or has there simply been a shift in how often this disability is diagnosed as the problem? This text provides a comprehensive explanation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Reference Handbook educates readers about ASD without relying on confusing medical jargon, highlighting current understanding of etiology, neuroscience, and intervention. It also discusses the historical and cultural influences of ASD and explores the controversial aspects of autism.

The subject matter of autism is complex, at best perplexing. The materials in this question-and-answer presentation reflect in this user-friendly sourcebook many assumptions, ideas and information from various medical, educational experts and experienced professionals as well as caregivers. Most of all, parents' input is included since their observations are of significant worth that should be taken in account. They provide valuable road map in navigating our understanding of the mysterious and baffling subject of autism. This book would prove useful, informative and instructive for parents, teachers, educational administrators and health practitioners.