Essential Clinical Guide to Understanding and Treating Autism

Coauthored by the premier expert on autism in the United States and an experienced academic and practicing pediatrician, this volume provides concise and practical information based on the most up-to-date research and clinical experience for primary care givers around the world. Showing clinicians how to most effectively use evidence-based techniques, this invaluable guide offers primary-care providers access to expert, current research and practice guidelines allowing them to confidently support children who present with symptoms of autism.

PREFACE vii CHAPTER 1 What Is Autism: Diagnostic Concepts, Causes, and Current Research 1 CHAPTER 2 Screening and Diagnostic Assessment 25 CHAPTER 3 Approaches to Providing Medical Care 49 CHAPTER 4 Frequent Medical Conditions and Problems 67 CHAPTER 5 Overview of Educational Programs and Interventions 93 CHAPTER 6 Securing Services 121 CHAPTER 7 Autism in Infants and Preschool Children 145 CHAPTER 8 School-Age Children 171 CHAPTER 9 Adolescents and Adults 201 CHAPTER 10 Behavioral and Psychiatric Problems: Issues and Interventions 219 CHAPTER 11 Considering Medications for Behavior and Mental Health Problems 245 CHAPTER 12 Considering Complementary and Alternative Treatments 271 CHAPTER 13 Supporting Families 291 APPENDIX 1 Diagnostic Descriptions and Criteria for Autism and Related Pervasive Developmental Disorders 309 APPENDIX 2 Understanding School and Specialist Assessment 315 GLOSSARY 331 INDEX 339