Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs »

Chantal Sicile-Kira has been involved with Autism Spectrum Disorders for nearly 20 years, first as a professional and then as a parent. She is on the advisory board of seven non-profit autism related organizations including the CAN Foundation, Autism Society of America, and HALO (Helping Autism Through Learning and Outreach). She also writes regularly for the Cure Autism Now (CAN) newsletter and website. Visit her website at www.chantalsicile-kira.com.

Based upon Chantal Sicile-Kira's personal and professional experiences with autistic disorders, this comprehensive and accessible source covers all aspects of autism conditions, including Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including:

- The causes of autism spectrum disorders
- How to properly diagnose ASPs
- Treatments based on physiology, sensory, and biomedical interventions
- Coping strategies for families
- Educational programs
- Living and working conditions for adults with ASP
- Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)

Library Journal

Sicile-Kira draws on 20 years' experience as both a professional and a parent in this single-volume guide to Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), first published in Britain in 2003. She covers many topics (e.g., education, diagnosis, treatments, family life, resources, and life for adults with autism) but does not usually provide enough detail to be truly informative, even in an introductory manner. In part, the problem lies in her using quotes to explain ASD; her selections primarily come from five people her own son and authors Temple Grandin, Liane Willey, Donna Williams, and Tito Mukhopadhyay not a sufficient cross section. Sicile-Kira does, however, provide a few strong chapters, such as education especially when discussing getting through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting and services for adults with ASD. For a better single volume on ASD, see Mitzi Waltz's Autistic Spectrum Disorders. An optional purchase for public libraries. Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.