Autistic Spectrum Disorders ─ Understanding the Diagnosis and Getting Help

Autistic spectrum disorders--including autism, pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger's syndrome, and others--are labels to describe neurological conditions that can affect a person's speech and communication, emotional growth, social skills, and physical and mental abilities. Up to 1 in 150 children in some geographical areas have these conditions; children affected are disproportionately boys. This second edition is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with these neurological conditions that profoundly impact the life of child and family. Author and patient advocate Mitzi Waltz, now studying at the Autism Research Unit in the UK, incorporates the latest medical findings on possible causes for ASDs and on treatments. Topics include:

• Getting a diagnosis, including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting
• Treatment options, including pharmaceutical medications, vitamins and supplements, sensory integration, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavior modification, floor time play therapy, talk therapy, and others
• Coping with diagnosis and treatment, including emotions and support systems, insurance system, and educational plans
• Stories from dozens of families living with autistic spectrum disorders

Mitzi Waltz is an advocate for families facing neurological issues. She has been heavily involved in online support work, and has also advocated for special-needs children within the medical, insurance, and education systems. She has written books on childhood/adolescent bipolar disorders, adult bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, partial seizures, and Tourettes syndrome. She is currently doing research at the Autism Research Unit in the UK.