Autism Spectrum Disorders Sourcebook, 5th Ed.

About 1 in 44 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. Autism is a major developmental illness that affects the neurological system and the general cognitive, emotional, social, and physical health of a person. People suffering from ASD are impaired in their ability to speak and interact. Symptoms of autism usually vary greatly in scope and severity and differ from person to person. The most common signs of autism are communication difficulties, social interaction difficulties, compulsive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Autism manifests itself in early childhood or early adolescence and usually progresses without remission. ASDs involve varied conditions, such as Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder. The disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of genes, brain malfunction, and environmental factors. Although there is no cure for ASD, the greatest long-term outcomes are now provided by early diagnosis and evidence-based therapy.

Autism Spectrum Disorders Sourcebook, Fifth Edition contains information on the many forms, symptoms, evaluation, and diagnosis of ASD, as well as the necessity of early intervention. There are educational recommendations for teachers and parents of children with ASD, as well as evidence-based behavior, communication, and biological therapies. Support, safety, transition, mental health, and job information are also offered for families and individuals with ASD. A glossary of related words and a directory of resources are included at the end of the book to provide more assistance and information.

Part One: Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder describes brain functions and developmental trajectories, communication problems, Asperger disorder, Sec-Rett’s disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified. A separate chapter reviews the racial and ethnic cap among the children with autism spectrum disorders in the United States.

Part Two: Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Autism reviews causes and risk factors for autism, heritability, and autism risk, and presents current research about the many genes linked to ASD. Risk factors for ASD—including diseases, vaccines, premature birth, and early brain development risk factors for autism spectrum disorder are discussed.

Part Three: Screening and Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder describes the range of symptoms and developmental milestones and delays that indicate a need for further assessment of autism spectrum disorders. Developmental screening, medical and genetic tests, and other assessments are explained. The part also talks about speech and language development in children, diagnostic criteria, and measuring autistic intelligence.

Part Four: Conditions That May Accompany Autism Spectrum Disorders provide information about communication difficulties, nonverbal learning disability, and psychiatric comorbidities. Genetic disorders that co-occur with ASD—such as Angelman syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome—are also explained. The part also talks about conditions that may occur with autism spectrum disorder such as thin bones and high growth hormone in boys.

Part Five: Interventions and Treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorders give detailed information about practices that are often effective for individuals with ASD. Topics include early intervention for children with developmental delays. Communication and behavior therapies such as applied behavior analysis, stem cell therapy, and joint attention therapy are described. Medical treatments, research study participation, communication therapies, and biological mechanisms are also discussed.

Part Six: Education and Autism Spectrum Disorder describes the special education process and promotes social interaction. Separate chapters address secondary school experiences, preparing ASD students for postsecondary education, and teaching lifetime goals.

Part Seven: Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Transitioning to Adulthood provides practical information about safety and support for autism spectrum disorders adults focusing on specific concerns such as feeding and toilet training. The part also offers facts about oral care, transition plans, housing, career planning, and job accommodations for adults on the autism spectrum.

Part Eight: Additional Help and Information provides a glossary of terms related to ASDs. A directory of organizations with additional information about autism spectrum disorders is also included.