Demystifying Autism Spectrum Disorders : A Guide to Diagnosis for Parents and Professionals

Parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need clear, comprehensive information to decipher the complex, behavior-based diagnostic evaluations and definitions. This guide for lay readers clarifies the process of diagnosis for parents who don’t fully understand it or wonder whether there is another ASD diagnosis that’s more appropriate for their child. DEMYSTIFYING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS is also an excellent tool for families who suspect their child has an ASD but doesn’t yet have a diagnosis.

Bruey explains the five types of autism that fall under the ASD umbrella:

Autistic Disorder
Asperger’s Disorder
Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
Rett’s Disorder
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified(PDD-NOS)

She spells out the distinctions among these categories and demystifies the technical jargon so parents better understand how professionals assess the different types of autism.

Because diagnosis can be the basis for determining appropriate treatment, Bruey stresses the importance of getting one as early as possible. Intervention before age five has been shown to lead to the most successful prognosis for children with ASD, and this guide helps parents to evaluate their own and others’ concerns about their young child’s behavior. The book provides details about the professionals involved in the diagnosis, and the testing tools. Families learn how to participate in the process and play a critical role. Bruey also includes some basics about medical and behavioral treatments, and where to go for more in- depth information.

With more children diagnosed with ASDs than ever before, parents need reliable advice and information to make sense of their child’s diagnosis. This invaluable guide is their answer. It can help families, as well as educators and caregivers, unlock many of the mysteries and nuances behind the ever-evolving diagnostic process.

Carolyn T. Bruey, Psy.D., has more than twenty years experience working with children and adults with autism, both in private practice and for institutions. She is the author or co-author of chapters in several books, including Children with Autism : A Parents’ Guide (Woodbine House, 2000). Currently Bruey is a Managing Partner of Developmental Disabilities Resources in Lititz, Pennsylvania, which provides therapeutic and diagnostic services to children and adults with ASDs.