Category Books

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: Frequently Asked Questions »

Authors: Diane Yapko
ISBN-13: 9781843107569, ISBN-10: 1843107562
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Date Published: May 2003
Edition: (Non-applicable)

Author Biography: Diane Yapko

Book Synopsis

Readers seeking information about autism spectrum disorders often find it very difficult to find straightforward answers to their questions. In response to this, Diane Yapko has produced this practical resource in an easy to read question and answer format so readers can go directly to the questions that interest them. There is no need to sift through complex scientific literature or confusing professional jargon and readers can refer back to the text again and again as their needs dictate. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders will prove an essential reference for parents, teachers and professionals working with individuals on the autism spectrum.

	Acknowledgements	13
	Introduction	17
Pt. 1	Diagnosis and Characteristics
1	What are Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?	24
2	Is there a difference between High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome?	26
3	Are there medical tests to diagnose ASD?	28
4	How is ASD diagnosed?	29
5	What tests are used to diagnose ASD?	30
6	Who can diagnose ASD?	32
7	What are the common characteristics associated with a diagnosis of ASD?	34
8	At what age can ASD be diagnosed?	37
9	Are there gender differences in ASD?	39
10	How often does ASD occur? What is its prevalence?	39
11	Is there an ASD epidemic?	41
12	What conditions typically co-exist with ASD?	44
13	Can you cure ASD?	47
14	Are children with ASD mentally retarded?	47
15	What are the typical speech and language problems associated with ASD?	48
16	Are savant skills common in ASD?	52
17	What is Theory of Mind Deficit or Mindblindness?	52
18	What are Executive Function Deficits?	54
19	What are Central Coherence Deficits?	55
20	What are Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLD)?	56
21	What is Hyperlexia?	57
22	What is Pathological Demand Avoidance Sydrome (PDA)?	57
Pt. 2	Causes
23	What causes ASD?	63
24	Is ASD genetic?	65
25	Is there an ASD gene?	66
26	What are the chances of having more than one ASD child?	68
27	Can immunizations/vaccines cause ASD?	69
28	Can parenting style cause ASD?	70
29	Are there environmental causes of ASD?	71
30	Does a chemical imbalance in the brain cause ASD?	73
31	What medical conditions can cause ASD?	74
32	Can "Leaking" or "Leaky Gut" cause ASD?	75
33	What is the Opioid Excess Theory?	75
Pt. 3	Medical Issues
34	Can ASD be identified before birth?	79
35	Can ASD be identified at birth?	79
36	Are specific parts of the brain affected in ASD?	80
37	Is the immune system affected in ASD?	82
38	Is the gastrointestinal system affected in ASD?	83
39	What role do environmental toxins and viruses have in ASD?	84
40	What role do allergies play in children with ASD?	85
41	What is the "DAN" protocol?	86
42	What is "PANDAS"?	87
43	What are "Leaky Gut" and "Celiac Disease"?	88
44	What is Secretin?	89
45	Do all children with ASD have seizures?	91
46	How do I know if my child is having seizures?	92
47	What medications are used with ASD individuals?	94
48	What is Purine Autism?	95
49	What is the Urine Peptide Test?	96
Pt. 4	Treatments and Intervention Programs and Approaches
50	What types of treatment approaches exist for ASD?	100
51	Are all treatment approaches equally beneficial?	107
52	How to I decide which intervention(s) are most appropriate for my child?	109
53	What are Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Discrete Trial Training (DTT)?	112
54	What is Pivotal Response Training (PRT)?	114
55	What is Floor Time and the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based approach (DIR)?	115
56	What is the SCERTS Model?	116
57	What is TEACCH?	117
58	What is Speech-Language Therapy?	118
59	What is Augmentative Communication (AC) and PECS?	120
60	What is Auditory Integration Training (AIT)?	123
61	What is Occupational Theory (OT)?	126
62	What is Sensory Integration Therapy (SI)?	127
63	What is Physical Therapy?	129
64	What is Art Therapy?	130
65	What is Animal Assisted Therapy?	130
66	What is Music Therapy?	131
67	What is Vision Therapy?	132
68	What diets are used to treat ASD individuals?	133
69	What vitamins and nutritional supplements are used with ASD individuals?	135
70	What is Immunotherapy?	137
71	What medications are used to treat ASD?	137
72	How is Melatonin used in treating ASD?	139
73	Are there specific interventions for toilet training?	139
74	Are there specific interventions for temper tantrums?	140
75	Are there specific interventions for social skills deficits?	141
76	Are there specific interventions for sleep disturbances?	144
77	Are there specific interventions for self-injurious behaviors?	146
78	Are there specific interventions for auditory processing problems?	148
Pt. 5	Resources/Organizations/Websites
79	What organizations are available for ASD individuals and their families?	153
80	What publications are available for ASD individuals and their families?	157
81	What other resources, websites and books are available for ASD individuals and their families?	163
82	What websites are available to provide therapy tools, learning activities and materials for working with ASD individuals?	197