Table of Contents

Preface To The 2nd Edition ix

Chapter 1 An Introduction to Autism: What Is It and How Do We Understand It? 1

Chapter 2 Getting a Diagnosis 21

Appendix 1 Understanding Assessment Results 43

Chapter 3 Overview of Educational Programs and Interventions 45

Chapter 4 Securing Services 71

Chapter 5 Infants and Young Children with ASD 89

Chapter 6 The School-Age Child With ASD 109

Chapter 7 Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum 135

Chapter 8 Medical Care 155

Chapter 9 Safety 173

Chapter 10 Sleep and Sleep Problems 185

Chapter 11 Sensory Issues 197

Chapter 12 Behavioral and Mental Health Problems: Issues and Interventions 207

Chapter 13 Considering Medications for Behavior and Mental Health Problems 225

Chapter 14 Considering Complementary, Alternative, and Emerging Treatments 243

Chapter 15 Supporting Families 257

Appendix 1: Glossary 269

Index 283

About the Author

FRED R. VOLKMAR, MD, is the Irving B. Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Psychology at Yale University School of Medicine, and is the primary author of the American Psychiatric Associations DSM-IV section on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders. He is also the Dorothy Goodwin Professor of Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University.

LISA A. WIESNER, MD, is a pediatrician, now retired, and previously a Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.

Reviews

This comprehensive book provides a plethora of useful information for families, those new to the field, and seasoned autism experts. These brilliant authors have provided a wealth of information in an engaging and interesting style. The many examples and tables supplement their easy-to-read discussions of the current research and issues. This comprehensive and informatinve book provides readers with the latest scientific findings as well as a candid discussion of risky and non-evidence based practices. The authors have clearly and exceptionally covered a broad variety of relevant and important topics. This easy-to-follow thorough book provides a wealth of information to those new to the field and experienced autism specialists. I highly recommend this engaging, interesting, and informative book. It will undoubtedly be educational for anyone involved in the field of autism. This highly recommended book includes a wide range of current issues in the field of autism. The supplemental tables and examples provide a helpful overview and summary of the topics. This book provides thoughtful and easy-to-read discussion of the research as well as helpful discussions of interventions thay may be ineffective. It should be required reading for anyone in the field of autism. These amazing and well-respected authors have combined the perfect balance of medical, psychological, behavioral, and cautionary advice on a wide range of important issues. I highly recommend this informative and readable book to anyone in the field of autism. The authors' experience, education, and knowledge of the research and current issues in the field of autism make this book incredibly useful for everyone in the field.

Lynn Kern Koegel, PH.D.
Clinical Professor
Standford University School of Medicine



This is the first book that every parent and educator new to the world of autism should read. With the second edition of A Practical Guide to Autism Drs. Volkmar and Wiesner have expanded and updated their acclaimed first edition in a manner that continues to provide the most comprehensive and accessible resource available for parents, family members, and educators seeking to understand and help an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Drawing both from well-established research on diagnosis and treatment and their own extensive clinical experience, the authors provide a clear and concise explanation of the nature and needs of those with ASD as well as very useful guidance on treatment options to support growth and development. Parents will find the child-and family-centered lifespan approach to the contents very approachable, and the case studies contained throughout illuminating. Educators and parents alike will find the extensive review of available resources invaluable. In a field where expanding and exciting research advances continue to enhance our understanding and treatment of ASD, Drs. Volkmar and Wiesner have given us the most up-to-date, evidence-based, and accessible volume available. It is a must-read for anyone who cares for-or about- a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Michael D. Powers, Psy.D
Executive Director
CCSN: The Center for Children with Special Needs
Glastonbury, CT
Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology
Yale Child Study Center
Yale University School of Medicine



In this newly updated text for parents, Volkmar and Weisner provide information that will likely answer any question that a parent could raise. They provide information that begins at the earliest paper ever written on autism and covers the critical findings about the disorder all the way to the present time, in formats specifically tailored to parents and others who may be reading this as their first foray into autism. They provide particularly careful descriptions of potentially confusing topics, like the many names that have been asigned to autism, the many myths that have crept up about autism. Their use of clinical vignettes, tables, and lists help highlight critical information. Materials provided in the Assessment chapter can reassure parents that their child has received the most appropriate assessment strategies and tools. Similarly, the chapter on intervention and education addresses approaches for educating children the ASD and for addressing the various challenges that often get in the way of learning and participating in various settings. The authors provide particularly important information about the laws that assure legal rights for services and education for persons with autism, including insurance practices that may cover some of the costs that public services do not provide. The authors delve deeply into the specific questions that parents might raise about their toddlers, their school aged children, and their teens and adults with ASD. Chapters on medical conditions and care are a strength of this book and also cover related difficulties like sleep, mental health conditions that can also occur in people who have ASD, and non-medical interventions that many families which to pursue. The final chapter is in many ways the most important in the whole text, in that it covers the positive as well as the often difficult ways that ASD in the family affects the whole family, and it helps families understand where they can find help and support the challenges that they experience in life with autism. I strongly recommend this text to families who want a comprehensive, current handbook about the multiple facets of autism written especially for them.

Sally J. Rogers, Ph.D., F-APA, F-APS, F-INSAR
Professor Emeritus, Licensed Psychologist
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, the MIND Institute
University California Davis