Autism Spectrum Disorders

In DSM-5, published in 2013, the classification of autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) was created, subsuming several diagnoses and
representing a significant evolution from its first appearance in the
DSM-III three decades earlier. Autism Spectrum Disorders reflects
this evolution, offering clinicians and families a succinct, definitive, and
up-to-date guide to current research in the field and its impact on
assessment and treatment. The book begins with the epidemiology of ASDs,
which have increased in prevalence, and explores genetic heritability and
environmental risk factors. It then explains the roles of the psychiatrist,
neurologist and pediatrician in assessing the patient, examines assessment
tools and processes, and describes the latest advances in a variety of
treatments and interventions. The text's focus is on educating and
empowering families and health care providers to determine whether
appropriate genetic testing and counseling have been undertaken, whether the
individual has had the relevant assessment, and whether skilled behavioral
treatment and additional medical assessment or treatment are
required.

Specifically, the text:


* Reviews existing prevalence estimates for ASDs since 2000 and
discusses methodological factors impacting the estimation of prevalence and
the interpretation of changes in prevalence estimates over time.
*
Evaluates genomic and epigenomic research over the last decade in the
context of translating findings to practice, in terms of testing (e.g., copy
number variants and whole-exome sequencing) and counseling.
* Examines
the role of environmental toxicity in immune dysregulation, which has now
been noted among individuals with ASD and their family members by numerous
studies.
* Reviews medical and cognitive assessments that may be
needed.
* Reviews targeted treatments that have the potential to reverse
neurobiological abnormalities in ASD
* Reviews behavioral treatments
that are effective in promoting development and improving behavior.
*
Describes the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR)
model, a comprehensive developmental theory with relevance across the
lifespan, which targets the core deficits of ASD identified in DSM-5.
*
Provides an overview of school-based interventions for students with autism,
exploring the rationale for conducting school-based research and examining
existing teacher-, paraprofessional-, and peer-mediated interventions
school-based interventions.
* Explores other approaches to ASDs, such as
complementary and integrative approaches and non-invasive brain stimulation
technologies, including transcranial magnetic stimulation.

The push
for early screening is resulting in earlier diagnosis of ASDs and the
provision of evidence-based interventions that have a positive impact on
outcomes. Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a bench-to-bedside guide
that is essential reading for health care providers and families facing the
challenges inherent in these complex disorders.