Review of "Autistic Spectrum Disorders"
By Mitzi WaltzPatient-Centered Guides, 2002
Review by Peter Wigg on Jul 15th 2003
In the preface the author, Mitzi Waltz states, "the intention of this book is to bring together all the basic information" about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). By providing an expansive coverage of the broad array of issues related to ASD she has accomplished this goal. The book is inclusive in its coverage of many topics including medical facts about autism, how to obtain a diagnosis and pitfalls to avoid, as well as medical, therapeutic and educational interventions. She does not shy away from controversial topics but cites scientific studies along with cautionary comments when an intervention has not been scientifically tested. She provides both sides to a controversy such as the pros and cons of immunization and leaves it up to the reader to decide if they wish to pursue a topic in more detail.
Because there is coverage of a wide variety of topics the text at times lacks depth. There were moments when this reviewer wanted to know more about a topic. The author addressed this by including Internet websites or other resources for more extended information. The appendixes include 150 pages of additional resources and references.
The text is highly readable, medical and psychological terms are defined within the paragraph where they appear. The words of parents are used to share their experience through stories or quotes, which adds a personal perspective and enlivens the material.
The tone of the book is positive, yet realistic. Waltz states that " People in the autistic spectrum are all unique and wonderful individuals many with special talents to share and each with a right to be accepted." She emphasizes that improvement can be achieved even while stating, "all goals can't be achieved at once." She also acknowledges the emotional turmoil that parents and caregivers experience.
Waltz has also sprinkled throughout and specifically targeted the importance of parents becoming advocates. As with other topics she explains how to advocate and prepares parents with information about their rights and current laws as well as questions to consider when forming a strategy.
This text would be valuable to parents who have a son or daughter who has recently been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It would also be a good resource for those parents who second-guess their decisions or those looking for more help for their son or daughter. This text may reassure them that they are on the right road or it may result in a discovery of a better intervention. This text would be informative for professionals who have discovered autism and would like to learn more about the spectrum of related issues.
©2003 Peter Wigg
Peter Wigg has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 20 years. His drive to provide quality services lead him to return to school; he is in the final stages of his doctorate in clinical psychology. He has worked for the past two years at the Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities where he has specialized in working with adolescents and adults diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder. His experience includes individual psychotherapy, social skills groups, school consultation, and program development.
Resources
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Articles
- What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions & Supportive Services
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Treatment
- Behavioral and Communication Approaches
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Discrete Trial
- Fluency
- Sensory Integration
- Floortime
- Medication
- Diet and Vitamins
- Complementary Approaches
- Therapeutic Animals
- Helping Families Cope
- Support Groups
- Wraparound Services
- Autism Spectrum Disorder and Mainstream Public Education
- Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood
- Conclusion
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources
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News
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Questions and Answers
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Book & Media Reviews
- A Guide to Asperger Syndrome
- A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
- A User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD
- An Exact Mind
- Asperger Syndrome and Your Child
- Asperger Syndrome, Adolescence, and Identity
- Asperger's and Girls
- Autism - The Eighth Colour of the Rainbow
- Autism's False Prophets
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders
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38 more
- Born on a Blue Day
- Boy Alone
- Can't Eat, Won't Eat
- Caring for a Child with Autism
- Children with Emerald Eyes
- Demystifying the Autistic Experience
- Eating an Artichoke
- Educating Children With Autism
- Elijah's Cup
- Exiting Nirvana
- Eye Contact
- Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome
- Incorporating Social Goals in the Classroom
- Integrated Yoga
- Learning and Behavior Problems in Asperger Syndrome
- Look Me in the Eye
- Maverick Mind
- Mysterious Creatures
- Our Journey Through High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Rain Man
- Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry
- Seeing Ezra
- Snapshots of Autism
- Songs of the Gorilla Nation
- Targeting Autism
- Temple Grandin
- The Boy Who Loved Windows
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- The Dragons of Autism
- The Flight of a Dove
- The Horse Boy
- The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome
- The Ride Together
- The Speed of Dark
- Things Tom Likes
- Through the Glass Wall
- Weather Reports from the Autism Front
- What's Happening to Tom?
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Links
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Videos
- New Genetic Tools to Treat Autism and Pediatric Neurological Disorders
- Diagnosing and Treating Autism with Doris Trauner
- Talking to Our Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder About Acts of Terrorism
- Talking to Our Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder About Death
- Understanding the Genome and the Future of Autism Therapies
- What Is Asperger's?
- Autism Early Intervention
- Minority Children May Miss Autism Diagnosis
- Key Features of Autism
- Autism Puberty and Adolescence Toolkit
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70 more
- Autism and Minorities
- Understanding the Genome and the Future of Autism Therapies
- Catching Autism Early
- The World of Autism PSA
- Is Asperger’s Syndrome Autism?
- Learning the Signs of Autism
- What is Autism?
- Understanding Autism
- Siblings of Children with Autism
- How Weighted Blankets May Lift Anxiety
- Caring for Children and Adolescents with Autism During COVID 19
- 1 in 45 autism prevalence explained
- Autism & Asperger's: What's The Difference?
- Screening for Signs of Autism
- Beyond the Data -- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Treating Autism
- What it’s like to have a brother on the autism spectrum
- iPads and Autism: 3 Features That Make the Tablet Easier to Use
- iPads and Autism: Getting the Most From Out-of-the-Box Apps
- Great Apps for Autism
- Teaching Social Skills to Teens with ASD
- ABA for Teens with ASD
- Customizing ABA Programs for Teens
- Autism Diagnosis and Access to Care in Minority Populations
- From Diagnosis to Treatment: The Revolution Driving Autism Research
- Reducing Disparities in Autism Diagnosis and Access to Care
- Autism Jargon: DRO
- Autism Jargon: NET
- 5 Tips for Getting the Most Out of ABA
- Autism Jargon: DTT
- Autism Jargon: Distractor
- Autism Jargon: Theory of Mind
- Autism Jargon: Pica
- Autism Jargon: Fluency
- Autism Jargon: Systematic Desensitization
- Is Asperger’s Included in the DSM5?
- Autism Jargon: Functional Communication Training
- 8 Questions to Ask Your Autism Service Provider
- Autism Jargon: Verbal Operants
- Autism Jargon: Establishing Operation
- Autism Jargon: Token Economy
- Treating Anxiety in Children and Teens with ASD
- Autism Jargon: Response Cost
- Teaching Soccer Skills to Kids with ASD
- "Focus on Ability, Not Disability"
- Dr. Tim Shriver: Intellectually Different ... Not Disabled
- P2I: Can We Prevent Autism?
- Autism Jargon: Positive Reinforcement
- Autism Jargon: Negative Reinforcement
- How the Diagnosis of Autism Helps Us Learn More About Autism
- Pathways for Treatments in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Genetics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Autism Jargon: IEP
- My Inner Life with Asperger's
- Autism Jargon: Least Restrictive Environment
- Dealing with Challenging Behaviors
- How law enforcement and families work together to keep loved ones with autism safe
- Back to School: Homework Help!
- Advice on Telling Your Teen they have ASD
- Social Intervention Helps Adults With Autism
- Autism Jargon: Antecedent Modification
- Motor and Social Skill Function: Connecting Learning and Brain Function in Autism
- Minecraft for Autism
- Autism Signs
- CDC’s new update on autism: What you need to know
- Autism & Friendship
- Employment resources for adults with autism and their families
- Housing and residential support options for adults with autism
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Many Questions Many Answers
- Diagnosing and Treating Autism
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