By Carolyn Thorwath Bruey

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.

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

• Autistic Disorder
  
• Aspergers Disorder
  
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
  
• Retts 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, the book stresses the importance of diagnosis 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 childs 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.

Also included are 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 childs 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. 241 pages. 2004.

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