The Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Facts on File Library of Health & Living)

Autism is a baffling brain disorder that profoundly affects children's communication and social skills. It is also a spectrum disorder, which means it can occur in a variety of forms and intensity. Most cases of autism appear before a child's third birthday. Recent years have marked a stunning rise in the number of children diagnosed as autistic, with the U.S. Department of Education reporting a 173-percent rise in the number of autistic students served under the Individuals with Disabilities Act between the 1992-93 and 1997-98 school years. Yet much remains unknown about autism, and controversy surrounds everything from defining the disease to diagnosing it to treating it - with theories about its cause ranging from vaccines to faulty genes to maternal personality. The Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a much-needed reference guide to this disease. Approximately 500 entries address the different types of autism, causes and treatments, institutions, associations, leading scientists and research, social impact, and much more. The book tackles a complex and daunting subject in clear language suitable for the general reader. and research, a glossary, and a bibliography. Entries include: Atypical autism; Asperger's Syndrome; Causes of autism; Developmental disability; Early intervention program; Genes and autism; High-functioning autistic disorders; Individualized education program; Language delay; Mainstreaming; Nonfluent aphasia; Patterning; Safety issues; Tactile defensiveness; and Vitamins and autism.

Autism encompasses an array of childhood developmental disabilities including problems with communication, lack of social interaction, and unusual repetitive behaviors. Although it is still poorly understood, in recent decades specialists have noticed an increase in the number of children affected and, consequently, a growing need for pertinent information.

This encyclopedia is among the latest Facts On File titles in the Library of Health and Living series. Turkington is a journalist and medical writer, and Anan is a clinical psychologist. The first half of the volume consists of A-Zdescriptions of more than 300 relevant concepts and terms, while the second half has six appendixes in addition to a section of suggested readings, a glossary, and an index. Three appendixes--"Organizations," "State Autism Organizations," and "Autism Resources by State"--are devoted to agencies and groups that serve as information resources. The remaining appendixes offer "Helpful Web Sites" (very brief), "Collaborative Programs of Excellence in Autism" (studies on the causes of autism), and "Clinical Trials for Autistic Disorders" (studies on treatment and other aspects of autism).

Like many Facts On File titles, this one provides useful information written in an accessible style. It is not really a comprehensive resource but a place to start, and its appendixes on organizations provide much-needed leads for parents and schoolteachers searching for more information. But other sections, especially "Helpful Web Sites" and "Clinical Trials," are somewhat wanting, even as introductions. For example, a mention in the latter appendix of the National Institutes of Health's Web site (ClinicalTrials.gov) would have led readers and potential trial participants to many more current studies than the seven listed here.

The Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disordersis recommended mostly for its first half, the encyclopedia of terms. If future editions update and fill out its information resources in its second half, it will surely become an essential reference. Lilian Hoffecker
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