Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is the umbrella term used to describe a whole family of related conditions. Within this group, there is a subgroup of conditions known as PDD (NOS) - Pervasive Developmental Disorder (not otherwise specified) - which do not quite meet the diagnostic criteria of Autism or Asperger Syndrome. Written specifically for parents, this fully-updated second edition sets out what it means for a child to be diagnosed with ASD, PDD (NOS), autism or Asperger Syndrome, and explains where parents should go from there. The authors describe the signs and symptoms of each condition, what a diagnosis means, how a child fits into the diagnostic terminology, and what the diagnostic procedures involve. Associated disorders such as Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and OCD are reviewed, and the authors describe the various treatments, therapies, and educational approaches available. The book also includes new information on medication and on the evolving concept of diagnosis, as well as a list of frequently asked questions and new interviews with parents of children on the autism spectrum. Accessible, informative, and supportive, this book is an essential guide for parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Foreword. Acknowledgements. About the Authors. Sam Likes Trains. Eric is a Soldier. Introduction. 1. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? 2. Social Reciprocity. 3. Communication. 4. Impairment in Play Style. 5. More Characteristics and Areas of Uniqueness. 6. The Evaluation Process. 7. What Can Be Done? Medical Perspective. 8. What Can Be Done? Educational Perspective. 9. Additional Options. 10. Up Close and Personal. Resources. References. Index.