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.