Synthesizing an explosion of recent research, this book presents dramatic advances in understanding and treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in very young children. Leading authorities describe the innovative tools and methods that are enabling clinicians to more effectively identify 0- to 5-year-olds with the disorder and those at risk for related problems. Chapters discuss the early core symptoms and co-occurring characteristics of ASD, the best diagnostic instruments, and lessons learned from large-scale screening and surveillance, including sibling studies. The book reviews evidence-based interventions and explores practical issues in treatment of young children and their families.

When parents learn that their child has autism, the news can be devastating, even paralyzing. Meanwhile, the first 12 months after diagnosis are the most important when it comes to intervention. As a parent of a child with autism, Nancy D. Wiseman knows firsthand how difficult it can be to unravel complex issues, discover what questions to ask, and find effective treatments. In this landmark guide, Wiseman offers both compassionate insight and a wealth of information for diagnoses from Asperger's to classic autism. Day by day, week by week, month by month, The First Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders walks parents through a wide range of medical and lifestyle concerns, helps them navigate the healthcare, insurance, and educational systems, and ensures the best possible outcome for their child.

Information about the symptoms, treatment, and research on Autism spectrum disorders including Autism and Asperger syndrome.

What are the historical foundations of autism and what precisely is meant by the ′autistic spectrum′? How can we explain behavioural patterns of people with autism, young or old, and what are the major theoretical bases for understanding these? What is the latest thinking regarding diagnosis, and what are the most effective strategies for assessment, education and care for people on the autistic spectrum? From historical information to methods of assessment, and from intervention to education and support, this informative and accessible text explores theories at the psychological, neurobiological and ′first cause′ levels. This fully up to date Third Edition answers these questions with a strong practical focus, encompassing the latest research on autistic spectrum disorders. New features include: Further reading suggestions Glossary of technical terms Updated information on autism support services Personal illustrative examples Jill Boucher is a retired academic psychologist. Her most recent post was Professor of Developmental Psychology at City, University of London.

A review of the current science of identifying and treating autism spectrum disorders in young children examines research issues, approaches to assessment, and developmental, behavioral, and medical intervention models.

Autism is no longer considered a rare disease, and the Center for Disease Control now estimates that upwards of 730,000 children in the US struggle with this isolating brain disorder. New research is leading to greater understanding of and ability to treat the disorder at an earlier age. It is hoped that further genetic and imaging studies will lead to biologically based diagnostic techniques that could help speed detection and allow early, more effective intervention. Edited by two leaders in the field, this volume offers a current survey and synthesis of the most important findings of the neuroscience behind autism of the past 20 years. With chapters authored by experts in each topic, the volume explores etiology, neuropathology, imaging, and pathways/models. Offering a broad background of ASDs with a unique focus on neurobiology, the volume offers more than the others on the market with a strictly clinical focus or a single authored perspective that fails to offer expert, comprehensive coverage. Researchers and graduate students alike with an interest in developmental disorders and autism will benefit, as will autism specialists across psychology and medicine looking to expand their expertise. - Uniquely explores ASDs from a neurobiological angle, looking to uncover the molecular/cellular basis rather than to merely catalog the commonly used behavioral interventions - Comprehensive coverage synthesizes widely dispersed research, serving as one-stop shopping for neurodevelopmental disorder researchers and autism specialists - Edited work with chapters authored by leaders in the field around the globe – the broadest, most expert coverage available

This handbook details best practices and discusses ongoing challenges in assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Chapters address assessment and diagnostic protocols, developmental considerations in ASD assessment, and issues concerning comorbid psychological and medical conditions. Various aspects of the disorder are emphasized throughout the handbook - from assessment in adolescent and adult populations to the latest findings in neuropsychology. The book concludes with future directions for research and clinical applications, focusing on universal screening, improved assessment methods, and earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Topics featured in this handbook include: Types of ASD assessment. Report writing for ASD evaluations. Stress and satisfaction in the diagnostic process. Clinical and neuropsychological perspectives from comorbid diagnosis of ASD and ADHD. Executive functions in ASD. The Handbook of Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is an essential reference for researchers, clinicians, professionals, and graduate students in clinical child and school psychology, child and adolescent psychiatry, and social work as well as rehabilitation medicine/therapy, behavioral therapy, pediatrics, and educational psychology.

Gain an understanding of the most important autism spectrum assessments and evaluation techniques Essentials of Autism Spectrum Disorders Evaluation and Assessment, 2nd Edition, helps professionals learn how to identify, assess, and diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In a time when detection and awareness of ASD are on the rise, this book addresses the primary domains of assessment, discusses the purpose of assessment, suggests test instruments, and identifies the unique clinical applications of each instrument to the diagnosis of ASD. As with all volumes in the Essentials of Psychological Assessment series, this book consists of concise chapters featuring callout boxes highlighting key concepts, easy-to-learn bullet points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as test questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Understand the issues in identification and assessment of autism spectrum disorders Get expert advice on avoiding common pitfalls and misinterpretations Quickly and easily locate pertinent information, thanks to the convenient, rapid-reference format Access resources and tools to aid in performing professional duties. This straightforward manual includes samples of integrated reports from diagnostic evaluations and prepares clinical and school psychologists, and clinicians from allied disciplines, to effectively evaluate and assess ASD.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders, from DSM-5(R) Selections, is a custom-published product crafted around a specific disorder cited in DSM-5. This selection provides a comprehensive overview of the process of diagnosing sleep-wake disorders while serving as a reference guide to assist in the diagnosis of individual patients. The disorder-specific resource is an invaluable addition to the DSM-5(R) collection and an important contribution to the mental health profession. This book contains the critical disorder-specific content from these four titles: - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5(R)) - DSM-5(R) Clinical Cases- DSM-5(R) Self-Exam Questions- DSM-5(R) Guidebook